Trump says US will hold off on fresh Iran attack in hope of quick deal

In his first month as Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth promised a transparent administration, contrasting it with past wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, as the Iran war enters its sixth month, the administration provides less information than before, despite mounting costs. Over 50,000 troops remain deployed in the Middle East, with 18 service members dead and hundreds more injured or wounded.

Trump has engaged in several diplomatic efforts with Iran, including a recent weekend attempt. Congress has been asked to approve an additional $67 billion for the campaign, yet Pentagon press briefings to the public have largely ceased since early May. Lawmakers from both parties have struggled to obtain detailed briefings from an administration relying heavily on President Trump's statements and social media posts.

Trump frequently talks about the war in optimistic terms, such as claiming the Iranian Navy and Air Force have been obliterated, while the Pentagon provides only occasional battlefield videos. The videos show U.S. strikes with limited information about troop movements, casualties, and battle damage. This lack of comprehensive details leaves reporters, lawmakers, and the public to piece together the war from scattered fragments.

The war's status has frequently shifted. Initially marked by heavy U.S. bombardments and demands for Iran's unconditional surrender, Trump predicted the conflict would last only four to five weeks. In April, Trump temporarily ceased hostilities, but less than a month later, he declared the ceasefire over after Iran struck commercial ships, ordering nearly two weeks of nightly attacks.

Recently, Trump considered an intense bombing campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure but called it off after discussions with Saudi Arabia's crown prince.