Trump Considers Holding Off on New Iran Strikes as U.S. Maintains Military and Economic Pressure
President Trump is considering delaying additional military strikes against Iran as long as Tehran and its Houthi allies avoid new provocations against the United States, according to people familiar with recent White House discussions.
The president reportedly raised the possibility during meetings with senior national security advisers following intelligence briefings on Iran’s military capabilities and economic conditions. No final decision has been announced, and the administration continues to maintain the option of renewed military action.
The discussions come as the United States evaluates its next steps in the conflict that began with joint American and Israeli strikes against Iran in February. Trump has alternated between warnings of additional attacks and statements suggesting that the fighting could be brought to an end.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have reportedly urged Trump to avoid another major military campaign. Both leaders have expressed concerns about the consequences of renewed fighting across the Middle East.
According to officials familiar with the conversations, the Saudi crown prince argued that American sanctions and the naval blockade were already placing substantial pressure on Iran’s economy. Trump listened to those concerns but made no commitment to either leader.
American intelligence agencies have reportedly reached similar conclusions about the economic impact of the administration’s existing measures. Officials believe continued sanctions and restrictions on Iranian shipping could maintain pressure on Tehran without requiring immediate additional strikes.
The U.S. military has also expanded efforts to prevent weapons and sanctioned materials from reaching Iran through land routes and the Caspian Sea, building on the naval blockade already in place.
Despite the possibility of delaying new attacks, American forces remain prepared for further military operations. A third aircraft carrier is moving toward the Middle East, potentially giving the administration additional options if tensions escalate.
Among the possibilities under consideration are renewed strikes against Iran’s underground nuclear facilities. However, intelligence officials reportedly believe additional attacks would be unlikely to significantly change Tehran’s negotiating demands.
Israeli officials have continued encouraging Washington to launch another military campaign, according to American officials familiar with those discussions.
The president has also received briefings about American weapons inventories following months of military operations. The White House maintains that the United States possesses sufficient ammunition and military resources to accomplish its strategic objectives.
Trump addressed the conflict Thursday during a conversation with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, suggesting that he could bring the fighting to an end quickly but was considering the interests of regional allies.
The president also declared earlier this week that the United States no longer needed a negotiated agreement with Iran, citing American financial leverage and its position in the Strait of Hormuz.
A White House official emphasized that Trump alone would determine whether additional military action was necessary and that protecting American interests remained the administration’s priority.
The conflict has contributed to higher global energy prices and growing public concern about its economic consequences. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted before the November midterm elections found that 55% of Americans believed the war was not worth its cost.
For now, President Trump is keeping both military and economic options available while considering whether continued pressure can achieve American objectives without another major round of fighting.