U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a temporary halt to U.S. military strikes against Iran, according to reports by The New York Times and Axios, citing administration officials.
According to The New York Times, the decision came after 13 consecutive days of military operations. U.S. officials reportedly grew concerned that a prolonged conflict could dangerously deplete America’s stockpiles of Patriot missile defense systems and other air defense weapons deployed across the Middle East.
The report states that Trump made the decision following a Friday meeting with his senior advisers and top Cabinet officials.
Meanwhile, Axios, citing two anonymous sources, reported that it remains unclear whether the move is a temporary operational pause or the beginning of a longer suspension. For now, however, the United States has stopped conducting strikes inside Iran.
According to Axios, the decision could create additional space for diplomatic efforts while allowing the Trump administration to consolidate what it views as the gains achieved through recent military operations.
Despite the pause, the sources said the U.S. military is continuing to prepare contingency plans and remains ready to resume large-scale operations if circumstances require.
