Trump halts US strikes on Iran after 13 days: Report

13-day campaign suspended

President Donald Trump on Friday directed the US military to halt new strikes against Iran, ending nearly two weeks of daily attacks as Washington pursues a diplomatic resolution to the Strait of Hormuz standoff, Axios reported citing sources familiar with the decision. The pause came after Trump approved daily strikes for the previous 13 days but declined to authorize Friday's planned operation, suggesting the president believes the current level of force has reached its practical limit without escalating into major combat.

Diplomatic opening

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he retained the option to intensify attacks, including "knocking out everything they have," but added that the "smarter strategy" is to "make a deal" with Tehran. "We're talking to (the Iranians) right now. I think they're getting more and more serious as the days go by. We're locked and loaded and ready to go, but we're talking to them," he said.

Later, at the White House Correspondents Association dinner, Trump said he did not believe Iran was ready to reach an agreement, "but I'm willing to listen." The US military continues preparing for possible escalation, though Trump has not ordered such a move, according to the report.

Omani mediation

Trump's order came hours after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks on a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Two regional sources said the negotiations have progressed and that Oman and Iran could reach an agreement over the weekend, after which Trump would decide whether to accept the proposed deal.