Trump may pause Iran strikes barring new provocations

President Donald Trump has reportedly told senior advisers that he may pause military strikes on Iran if there are no new provocations from Tehran or the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The US president has been alternately threatening further escalations and seeking to end hostilities, but appears uncertain about how to resolve the unpopular conflict he initiated in February.

Trump indicated sympathy for regional allies who have asked him not to resume a full-scale war, as reported by ESPN broadcaster Stephen A. Smith. The war has raised global fuel prices and has been unpopular with US voters, who gave control of Congress to the Democrats in the recent midterms. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 55% of Americans believed the war was not worth the cost.

Trump's comments come after public statements downplaying the likelihood of major warfare resuming. The US has control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy is collapsing, according to a White House official. Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in recent weeks, both urging him not to resume attacks.

Trump did not commit either way but acknowledged the efficacy of economic sanctions against Iran. The US military is prepared to escalate if necessary, with a third aircraft carrier reportedly moving into the Middle East. However, recent strikes have already targeted Iran's underground nuclear facilities, and it is unclear if further strikes would yield significant results.