President Donald Trump directed the U.S. military to refrain from conducting strikes in Iran on Friday, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter. The decision halted a 13-day period of daily U.S. military operations against Iranian targets. While the military remains prepared to resume operations, the sources stated that no orders for major combat have been issued.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, the president stated that while he maintains the option to escalate military action, he considers a negotiated agreement with Iran to be the "smarter strategy." He confirmed that discussions are currently taking place between the two nations. The White House did not respond to requests for official comment regarding the temporary cessation of strikes.
The directive followed the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran on Friday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that progress has been made and a potential agreement could be reached over the weekend. President Trump would be required to review and approve the terms of any such proposal.
Israeli officials reported that the country’s security cabinet and the Israel Defense Forces had remained on high alert Friday in anticipation of continued U.S. strikes. According to these officials, Israel prepared for the possibility of a large-scale offensive and potential retaliation until they were notified on Friday night that no further U.S. strikes had been authorized for the day.