Trump may refrain from further Iran strikes absent new provocations, sources say

US President Donald Trump told senior advisers he may hold off on attacking Iran unless Tehran or the Houthis provoke new aggression, according to sources. Saudi and Turkish leaders urged restraint, while Israel pushes for renewed strikes. A third US aircraft carrier is expected in the region.

US President Donald Trump has told his senior advisors in recent days that he may refrain from additional strikes on Iran, as long as the US does not face new provocations from Tehran or the Houthis in Yemen, according to a Reuters news agency report. Trump raised the possibility in meetings with his national security advisors, following a series of intelligence briefings, and expressed understanding of the position of regional allies who asked him to avoid a return to full-scale war. According to the report, Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on October 31 that he planned to strike Iran after the US midterm elections. Bin Salman asked him to wait, arguing that the economic sanctions imposed on Iran were already achieving their goal. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also called on Trump to refrain from renewing strikes. Trump left the decision open and has not yet decided whether to order another round of strikes. Meanwhile, a third US aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the region, and all three may remain there if necessary. An American official told Reuters that Israel continues to pressure the Trump administration to launch another round of strikes against Iran.