LOADING ERROR LOADINGWith the U.S. poised to attack Iran, diplomatic attempts to broker a deal appear to have withered. Israeli and Arab officials successfully united earlier this month to convince President Donald Trump to refrain from attacking Tehran, fearing a regional bloodbath. But earlier this week, a Gulf official who is familiar with discussions among U.S. officials told HuffPost the chances of avoiding a strike stood only at 50%. While governments close to Trump, including Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, lobby against a possible strike, Trump is being encouraged to strike by influential hawks at home, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and pro-Israel donors who have long sought regime change in Tehran. Since then, after the protests and alarm among Iranian officials about their possible overthrow, Tehran is unlikely to be more confident in such discussions.

Source: Huffington Post January 31, 2026 01:09 UTC