Trump Orders U.S. Military to Halt New Strikes on Iran

The website Axios reported, citing two informed sources, that U.S. President Donald Trump issued orders on Friday for the American military to cease launching new strikes against Iran, marking an end to a series of daily attacks that lasted about two weeks.

Axios explained that Trump had previously approved daily strikes over the past thirteen days, but it remains unclear whether Friday’s directive represents a temporary measure or the start of a permanent halt to military operations.

The decision by Trump reflects his desire to allow more room for diplomacy, alongside his belief that the current level of U.S. strikes—unless major combat operations resume—has reached its maximum effectiveness.

The report added that if Trump decides to resume strikes, the U.S. military can mobilize within a relatively short timeframe, as it continues to prepare plans in case of a large-scale return to combat, although no orders have been given to proceed in that direction.

Over the past two weeks, Trump had approved strike plans presented by the military, which were executed within hours.

Shortly after issuing the Friday orders, Trump told reporters at the White House that he retains the option to continue or even escalate strikes, including "destroying everything they have," but he considers the "smartest strategy" to be "reaching an agreement" with Iran.

He stated, "We are talking with the Iranians now. I think they are becoming more serious day by day. We are ready, but we are talking to them."

Later on Friday, during his speech at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Trump said he does not believe Iran is ready to make a deal at this time, "but I am willing to listen."

Axios reported that Trump’s order to cease fire came hours after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday to conduct talks about a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The website quoted two knowledgeable regional sources saying that the negotiations had made progress and that an agreement between Oman and Iran could be reached over the weekend, at which point Trump would need to decide whether to accept the proposed deal.