"At a Critical Time": Trump Abruptly Cancels Plans, Skips Son's Wedding as Tensions Rise Over Possible Iran Airstrikes

Military and Intelligence Officials on High Alert
Iran Responds: "Agreement Not Imminent"

As U.S. President Donald Trump cancels both his eldest son's wedding attendance and his holiday plans in succession, tensions are mounting in Washington over the possibility of U.S. airstrikes against Iran.

On the 22nd (local time), President Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "Due to government-related circumstances and responsibilities to the United States, I will not be able to attend my eldest son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding event this weekend," adding, "I have determined that it is necessary to remain at the White House in Washington during this critical time."

It has also been reported that a considerable number of U.S. government officials have canceled their personal plans for the three-day Memorial Day weekend. Officials in the defense and intelligence sectors have entered an emergency standby mode in preparation for possible military conflict. President Trump, who was originally scheduled to spend the holiday at his New Jersey golf club after delivering a speech in New York, changed his plans and returned to the White House instead.

According to U.S. online media outlet Axios and others, President Trump is reportedly considering further military action if Iran does not accept the "final offer" the United States delivered on May 20. Axios, citing anonymous sources, reported that President Trump has recently felt strong frustration during the negotiation process. While he emphasized diplomatic solutions during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 19th, he began leaning toward airstrikes after the night of the 21st.

The United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect negotiations under a temporary ceasefire since April 8, but have yet to narrow their differences over Iran's nuclear program. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a CBS interview, "President Trump's stance is firm that Iran's possession of nuclear weapons and continued stockpiling of enriched uranium will never be tolerated," adding, "The Department of Defense is prepared to respond immediately to any decision by the President."

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On this day, President Trump convened a national security team meeting attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, where they were briefed on the status of negotiations and response scenarios in case of a breakdown. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting Europe, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Kane, who had a Naval Academy commencement event, did not attend.

Some observers are raising the possibility of a large-scale military operation that could bring an end to the war. On May 20, the United States presented its final negotiation proposal to Iran and warned that military attacks could resume if the proposal was not accepted. However, there has yet to be a clear signal from within the White House that a military operation has been definitively decided upon.

Meanwhile, last-minute mediation efforts to reach a settlement are also continuing. Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on the 22nd, and a Qatari delegation has also joined mediation efforts. General Munir is scheduled to meet with Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a key Iranian decision-maker, on the 23rd.

On the other hand, Iran is maintaining a hardline stance. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 22nd that, while talks are ongoing, an agreement is not imminent.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.