President Donald Trump announced a pause on a planned military attack against Iran on May 18, following receipt of a revised peace proposal mediated through Pakistan. Trump said there is now a “very good chance” for a deal, a diplomatic shift that carries meaningful implications for crypto markets long rattled by US-Iran brinkmanship.
Tehran signaled progress on the talks but made one thing clear: the key issue of nuclear weapons is not part of the initial framework being negotiated.
What happened and why it matters
Trump cited direct requests from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as factors influencing his decision to hold off on military strikes.
The pause represents the most significant de-escalation signal in a negotiation timeline that stretches back to early 2025. Indirect talks have involved mediation from Oman, with discussions held in Muscat in February 2026 and subsequent rounds in Geneva.
