US President Trump directed the US military not to conduct new strikes in Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week streak of daily attacks, two sources with knowledge of the decision said.
The president’s directive came after he approved daily strikes over the previous 13 days. It is unclear if Trump’s order on Friday was a one-off or whether the lull will continue, Axios reported.
Trump’s decision reflects both his willingness to provide more space for diplomacy and a recognition that — short of a return to major combat operations — the current level of US strikes has reached the limit of its effectiveness.
If Trump orders a return to strikes, the US military can mobilise on relatively short notice.
The US military is still preparing plans for a possible return to major combat operations, but Trump hasn’t given orders to move in that direction, the sources said.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
