The latest
Trump on Friday declined to approve a new military strike plan against Iran, despite authorizing similar plans each day for nearly two weeks. Two sources familiar with the decision said the president ordered the military to hold its fire but did not direct it to prepare for a return to major combat operations.
Trump later said the United States could continue the attacks or escalate them to the point of “knocking out everything they have,” but described reaching a deal as the “smarter strategy.” He said talks with Iran were continuing and that Tehran appeared to be growing more serious, while later adding that he was willing to listen even though he did not believe Iran was ready for an agreement.
The decision coincided with the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran for talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Two regional sources familiar with the negotiations said progress had been made and that Muscat and Tehran could reach an agreement over the weekend. Trump would then have to decide whether to accept it.
Details
- Temporary pause: It is unclear whether the order applies only to Friday or could lead to a longer halt in strikes.
- Military plans: The U.S. military continues to prepare options for a return to major combat operations but has received no order to carry them out.
- Israeli preparations: Israel’s security cabinet and military expected another round of U.S. strikes and prepared for a larger attack that could trigger Iranian retaliation against Israel.
- Omani mediation: An Omani delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss a new arrangement for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump’s decision: Any potential agreement between Oman and Iran would require approval from the U.S. president.
Between the lines
The pause gives diplomacy room to operate, but it also suggests that the current campaign has reached the limits of what it can achieve without a return to full-scale war. Keeping military options ready allows Trump to pressure Tehran while testing whether Omani mediation can produce a breakthrough.
What to watch
The next phase will depend on the outcome of the Omani talks and Trump’s response to any proposed agreement. If negotiations fail, strikes could resume quickly. Progress toward reopening the strait, however, could support a longer pause and revive broader discussions between Washington and Tehran.
