Trump considers holding back on Iran strikes even as military keeps options open

President Donald Trump is contemplating refraining from launching further military strikes against Iran, contingent on Tehran and its regional allies not escalating the situation, according to a Reuters report quoting sources familiar with his counsel meetings. The president's stance, however, remains ambiguous, oscillating between threats of a broader military campaign and indications of desiring the conflict's conclusion.

This shift occurs as US allies in the region urge Washington to refrain from returning to full-scale hostilities. Trump acknowledged their apprehensions during an interview with sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, stating he could end the conflict immediately but was delaying the process at the request of the nations he aims to protect.

The ongoing war, initiated by the US and Israel in February, has propelled global fuel prices and emerged as a political burden for Trump's administration. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted shortly before the November 3 midterm elections revealed that 55% of Americans deemed the war unjustified by its cost, leading the Republicans to lose control of Congress to the Democrats.

The White House affirmed that Trump retains the ultimate authority over military actions, and the US is in a robust position, citing its control over the Strait of Hormuz and describing an Iranian economy in decline. Saudi Arabia and Turkey have also urged Trump to exercise restraint, with both leaders advising him against initiating attacks on Iran in recent telephone conversations. Despite Trump's failure to commit to either course of action, the report noted.

During a discussion with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on October 31, Trump reportedly expressed plans to attack Iran post the US elections. The Saudi prince cautioned against such a move, arguing that economic sanctions were already exerting pressure on Tehran. Erdogan has also engaged in conversations with Trump three times since October 28, emphasizing the necessity to resolve tensions between Washington and Tehran in a Turkish presidential statement issued following their November 7 dialogue.

US intelligence assessments suggest that the naval blockade and economic sanctions are adversely affecting Iran's economy and may continue to do so. Moreover, US military forces have been working to impede the movement of sanctioned goods into Iran by land and via the Caspian Sea, extending a blockade targeted at Iranian maritime traffic.

While regional partners advocate for restraint, Israeli officials have persisted in lobbying the Trump administration for renewed military action against Iran, a statement attributed to a US official in the report.

Trump has indicated that Washington might have exhausted negotiation possibilities with Tehran but has not announced whether he intends to resume military operations.