Washington, May 19: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a planned military strike on Iran has been temporarily postponed to allow more time for diplomatic negotiations.

According to Mr. Trump, leaders of Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had urged the United States to continue diplomatic engagement in order to prevent further escalation in the region.

In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Mr. Trump said the proposed military action scheduled for Tuesday had been deferred. He, however, warned that the United States remained prepared for a “full-scale” response if negotiations failed to produce a satisfactory agreement.

The U.S. President stated that the American military had been instructed to remain prepared for action at any time.

Media reports in the United States said a fresh peace proposal from Iran, along with mediation efforts by Pakistan, also contributed to the decision to delay the strike.

Discussions between Washington and Tehran are currently understood to be focused on nuclear negotiations, security in the Strait of Hormuz and possible easing of sanctions. However, the United States has continued to maintain a firm position against Iran developing nuclear weapons.

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh BJP president PVN Madhav expressed concern over the mounting financial burden on aqua farmers due to rising fuel prices triggered by global geopolitical tensions.

Participating in the “Cheruvula Parirakshana” and “Janata Varadhi” programmes, Mr. Madhav said international political developments, particularly tensions between Iran and the United States, had impacted the global economy and led to an increase in crude oil prices, thereby pushing up domestic fuel costs.

He observed that the aquaculture sector was heavily dependent on fuel for the operation of motors, aerators, transportation and feed supply, resulting in a sharp rise in operational expenditure for farmers. The increase in production costs, coupled with export slowdown and market instability, was placing severe pressure on the sector, he said.

Mr. Madhav stated that small and medium-scale aqua farmers were facing significant economic stress under the prevailing conditions. He assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party would take the concerns of aqua farmers to the attention of both the Union and State governments and seek measures such as diesel subsidy, electricity concessions, financial assistance and restructuring of loans.

Highlighting the importance of the aquaculture sector to Andhra Pradesh’s economy, he said the industry provided livelihoods to thousands of families and required sustained policy support from governments.

Mr. Madhav said aqua farmers need not lose confidence, adding that the BJP remained committed to supporting the sector and addressing the issues affecting farmers.