President Donald Trump said he stopped a planned U.S. military strike against Iran after receiving a request from Pakistan [1].
The decision highlights the role of third-party mediation in the ongoing Iran war and the influence Pakistan may hold over U.S. strategic timing.
Trump announced the decision on his social-media platform on May 13, 2026 [2]. According to the president, the military action was imminent before the intervention occurred [1].
"I was an hour away from ordering new strikes on Iran, but I decided to give diplomacy more time after Pakistan asked me to hold off," Trump said [1].
Reports indicate the pause was intended to provide a window for diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions [1, 3]. The move suggests a willingness by the administration to consider regional requests before executing high-stakes military operations.
However, the mediation role of Pakistan has drawn criticism from some U.S. officials. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said he was skeptical regarding the country's position in the conflict [3].
"Pakistan, as a mediator amid the ongoing Iran war, is 'more than problematic' and its animosity toward Israel is long-standing," Graham said [3].
While the president cited a direct request from Pakistan as the catalyst for the delay, other reports emphasize a broader desire to prioritize diplomacy over immediate escalation [1, 3].
“"I was an hour away from ordering new strikes on Iran," Trump said.”
The incident underscores a volatile intersection of U.S. military readiness and regional diplomacy. By attributing the halt of a strike to a request from Pakistan, the administration signals a reliance on non-traditional mediators, even as members of Congress warn that such intermediaries may have conflicting interests due to their geopolitical stances on Israel and regional stability.
