Trump tells advisers he will not strike Iran unless provoked: Reuters

President Donald Trump has reportedly told his senior advisers that he may delay any attacks on Iran, should Tehran or the Houthis in Yemen not provoke the United States further, according to three people familiar with the matter. The US president has been fluctuating between the prospect of escalating the war through new strikes and winding down hostilities. However, he appears uncertain about how to resolve the unpopular conflict, which began in February.

In meetings with his national security advisers and in the wake of intelligence briefings, Trump has reportedly been contemplating holding off on strikes. He has also expressed empathy towards regional allies who have requested him not to return to a full-scale war. During a meeting with sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, Trump said, "I could end it immediately, but at the request of the nations that I am looking to protect, we are doing it a little bit longer way, a bit more civilly."

The war has raised global fuel prices and has been unpopular with US voters, who gave Democrats control of Congress in the recent midterm elections. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken shortly before the November 3 elections, 55% of Americans believed the war was not worth the cost, with Vice President JD Vance citing it as the reason for Trump's Republicans losing Congress.

Trump's private remarks follow his public statements downplaying the likelihood of major warfare resuming. A White House official stated, "As Commander-in-Chief, President Trump is the architect and sole decision-maker who holds all the cards and will always ensure that America’s interests are protected." The United States is in a strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy is in collapse, according to the official.

Recent phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan have prompted Trump to consider holding back on attacks. Both leaders urged Trump not to resume strikes, arguing that economic sanctions against Iran were effective. Trump did not commit to a decision either way in these calls.