Former President Donald Trump urged Iran to reach a peace deal with the U.S. on May 5, 2026, to prevent further regional escalation [1].
The appeal comes as missile and drone attacks on United Arab Emirates oil facilities and shipping lanes threaten to reignite a broader war between the U.S. and Iran [1, 4].
Trump said Iran should "do the smart thing" and agree to a deal [1, 2]. He said Iran wants to strike a deal and that the U.S. has total control [3].
The tensions are centered in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor. Recent strikes targeted UAE oil facilities and nearby shipping, leading to increased military alerts in the region [1, 2].
Among the casualties of the attacks in Fujairah, three Indian nationals were injured [4].
Responses to the escalating situation remain contradictory. While some reports indicate Iran warned the U.S. against further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, other reports state the U.S. has threatened a devastating response to any Iranian attacks on shipping [1, 5].
Trump's call for a diplomatic resolution follows a period of heightened volatility in the Gulf. The attacks on UAE infrastructure have placed global energy markets on edge, raising concerns over the stability of oil exports through the narrow strait.
“"Do the smart thing" and agree to a deal.”
The intervention by a former U.S. president during a period of active military tension suggests a push for a transactional diplomatic approach to avoid a full-scale conflict. Because the Strait of Hormuz is a primary artery for global oil, any sustained instability there creates immediate economic pressure on the international community, making a negotiated settlement a priority for global market stability.
