Israel braced for American attack – but Trump ordered a halt to strikes

On Friday, Trump ordered the US military not to strike Iran for the first time in two weeks. Israel prepared for a broad attack that could have dragged it into escalation. Only hours later did a calming signal arrive from Washington. Trump is giving a chance for Oman-Iran talks on the Strait of Hormuz, but Israel assesses strikes will resume.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump ordered the US military not to carry out new strikes on Iran, for the first time in 13 days of daily strikes. Uncertainty prevailed in Israel regarding Trump's intentions, and the defense establishment prepared for the worst-case scenario – a broad American attack that could have dragged Israel into escalation. Only after several hours did a calming signal arrive from Washington. The decision reflects Trump's willingness to give diplomacy another chance, alongside recognition that the current strikes have reached their limit. Meanwhile, an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and progress was reported. Israel remains on high alert, and a senior Israeli official said the chances of a US-Iran agreement are nil. Next week, a meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is expected in Washington, where Netanyahu will present intelligence on Iran's nuclear sprint.