Despite Israeli pressure, Trump may hold off on Iran attacks barring new provocations
According to a report by Ynet citing sources familiar with the matter, U.S. President Donald Trump has told senior advisers in recent days that he may hold off on attacking Iran if the U.S. faces no new provocations from Tehran or the Iran-backed Houthis. While Trump has alternated between threats of escalation and winding down hostilities, he appears undecided on how to resolve the conflict. Trump told broadcaster Stephen A. Smith that at the request of allies he is looking to protect, he is pursuing a longer, more civil approach. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have urged the president not to resume military strikes. Despite this, Israeli officials continue to lobby the administration for another military campaign. Concurrently, the U.S. military is moving a third aircraft carrier into the region, and officials state the military remains ready to escalate if necessary, although intelligence assessments suggest renewed strikes would not significantly shift Iran’s demands in negotiations.