According to several American media reports, US President Donald Trump stopped attacks on Iran after 13 consecutive days. Officials cited several reasons behind this, such as intensification of diplomatic efforts, concern over the depletion of America’s missile-defense stock and fear that the scope of the conflict could increase if the issue escalates further.
This decision taken on Friday marked the first halt to the daily US attacks for almost two weeks. According to the report, Trump instructed the army not to launch any new attack despite receiving a new attack plan. This indicates progress towards talks, although the US is prepared to resume military action if needed.
The White House has not officially commented on Trump’s decision. However, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said that Trump has always been in favor of a diplomatic solution, but that he would keep all military options open if Iran continues attacks in the Strait of Hormuz or against US allies.
According to the report, Trump concluded that the current military action had reached its effective limits and a much larger-scale combat operation would be required to proceed beyond it. Sources said the president wanted to create more space for diplomacy, while also maintaining the option to resume attacks at short notice if talks failed.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said the US is “locked and loaded”, but he believes making a deal with Iran would be a “better strategy”. “We are talking to them right now. I think they are becoming more serious as the days go by,” he said.
Later, speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Trump said he did not think Iran was ready to make a deal immediately, but he also said he was open to talks.