Trump Orders Halt to New U.S. Strikes on Iran, Signals Push for Diplomacy
WASHINGTON:** U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the American military to halt new strikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of continuous military operations, according to a report citing two sources familiar with the decision.
The report said Trump instructed the military on Saturday not to carry out any additional attacks on Iran, marking a pause in a campaign that had seen daily strikes approved over the past 13 days. It remains unclear whether the order is temporary or will remain in effect.
The decision is seen as an indication that Trump wants to give diplomacy a chance while acknowledging that recent U.S. airstrikes have achieved their intended military objectives without the need for a broader offensive.
According to the report, the U.S. military is preparing contingency plans for a possible large-scale ground operation, although Trump has not issued any orders in that regard. The White House has also declined to comment on the development.
Sources said Trump had been approving daily military operations against Iran over the past two weeks, with strikes typically carried out within hours of authorization. However, when presented with another proposed operation on Saturday, he declined to approve it and instead instructed the military to stand down.
Shortly after issuing the order, Trump told reporters at the White House that he still had the option to resume or expand military action, including launching operations capable of causing widespread destruction.
He emphasized, however, that pursuing an agreement with Iran was the wiser course of action.
“We are talking to Iran. I believe they are more serious than before. We are also prepared to act if necessary, but we are continuing negotiations,” Trump said.
Later, speaking to journalists, Trump added that he did not believe Iran was currently ready to finalize an agreement but stressed that he was willing to hear Tehran’s position and continue diplomatic engagement.
