Axios: Trump Halts Strikes on Iran Awaiting Omani Mediation Efforts

SadaNews - President Trump issued directives to the U.S. military on Friday to refrain from launching new strikes on Iran, thereby ending a series of daily attacks that lasted nearly two weeks, according to Axios news service, citing two sources familiar with the decision.

Trump's decision reflects his desire to allow more space for diplomacy and his recognition that the current level of U.S. strikes has reached its maximum effectiveness unless major combat operations are resumed.

If Trump orders a return to strikes, the U.S. military would be able to mobilize within a relatively short timeframe.

The two sources indicated that the U.S. military is still preparing plans for the possibility of resuming major combat operations, but Trump has not issued orders to move in that direction.

The White House has not commented on the news.

On Friday, Trump received a new operational plan but did not give it the green light. Instead, he issued directives to the military not to conduct any strikes, according to the sources.

Shortly after issuing his directives on Friday, Trump told reporters at the White House that he has the option to continue or even escalate the strikes, including "destroying everything they have."

However, he clarified that he believes the "smarter strategy" is to "reach an agreement" with Iran.

Trump said: "We are talking to [the Iranians] now. I think they are getting more serious by the 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 reach an agreement at this time, "but I am ready to listen."

Trump's order to cease fire comes just hours after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday to discuss a new arrangement for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Two regional sources familiar with the negotiations reported progress in the talks and that an agreement between Oman and Iran could be reached over the weekend.

Trump will then have to decide whether to accept the proposed agreement or not.