WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the military to halt ongoing strikes against Iran, pausing a campaign that had continued for 13 consecutive days, according to a U.S. media report.
The report, citing two sources familiar with the decision, said Trump instructed the military on Friday not to carry out any new attacks on Iran. It remains unclear whether the directive is temporary or marks a longer-term shift in U.S. policy.
The decision is seen as an indication that the Trump administration wants to give diplomacy a chance while assessing that recent U.S. airstrikes have largely achieved their intended military objectives without the need for an expanded offensive.
According to the report, the U.S. military is continuing contingency planning for a possible large-scale ground operation, although Trump has not authorized such action. The White House has not officially commented on the reported order.
For nearly two weeks, Trump had reportedly approved daily strikes on Iranian targets, with operations carried out within hours of authorization. Sources said he was presented with another strike plan on Friday but declined to approve it, instead directing the military to suspend further attacks.
Speaking to reporters at the White House shortly after issuing the order, Trump said he still had the option of resuming or expanding military operations but believed the wiser course was to pursue an agreement with Iran.
“We are talking to Iran,” Trump said. “I think they are more serious than before. We are ready to act, but we are also negotiating.”
He later added that he did not believe Iran was yet ready to reach a deal but said he remained willing to hear its position.
