Releasing the trigger? Trump halted the strikes on Iran at the last moment

US President Donald Trump ordered the American military on Friday not to carry out another wave of strikes on Iran, breaking a streak of 13 consecutive days of daily bombings. The decision was made out of a desire to give diplomacy a chance, along with an understanding that the strikes had exhausted their effectiveness. Forces remain ready to be reactivated on short notice.

US President Donald Trump ordered the American military on Friday not to carry out another wave of strikes on Iranian territory, breaking a streak of 13 consecutive days of daily bombings. According to sources familiar with the details, the unusual directive comes from the White House's desire to make room for diplomatic efforts, alongside the understanding that without transitioning to a broad and comprehensive military operation, the current wave of strikes has already exhausted most of its effectiveness. Trump clarified to reporters that the military option remains on the table, and even threatened to "wipe out everything they have," but emphasized that the smarter strategy now is to attempt to reach an agreement. The decision came just hours after a delegation from Oman landed in Tehran to advance a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to regional sources, significant progress has been made in the talks, and a preliminary agreement could be signed as early as the end of the week.