US Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says he's called off Iran strike planned for Tuesday at request of Gulf allies

Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on May 19 that he had canceled a planned military strike against Iran scheduled for May 21, following requests from Gulf allies. Trump stated that negotiations were underway and there was a 'very good chance' of reaching a deal without escalating to military action. He described the planned strike as 'a very major attack' but said it was postponed 'for a little while, hopefully, maybe forever.' Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 14 separate attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including the use of explosive drones, rockets, and artillery shelling. The attacks targeted Israeli military positions and troop gatherings near the border, despite ongoing ceasefire efforts. The group’s statement emphasized ongoing tensions despite diplomatic attempts to de-escalate the conflict. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces conducted raids in the Ramallah and el-Bireh governorate on May 19, entering villages like al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah. Confrontations erupted in al-Mughayyir, where Israeli troops fired tear gas canisters, according to the Wafa news agency. Trump also mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping had praised the U.S. military, reinforcing his stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. He suggested that direct negotiations between Gulf allies and Iran could resolve the crisis without further military intervention. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with multiple fronts—including Lebanon, the West Bank, and Iran—seeing escalating violence and diplomatic maneuvering.