Trump keeps Iran guessing as military option stays on the table.

US President Donald Trump has not made a final decision on whether to authorize a large-scale military offensive against Iran, according to sources familiar with discussions within his administration.

While Washington continues diplomatic engagement with Tehran, the United States has kept its military forces on full alert.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said the US remained “locked and loaded” and could intensify its military campaign if necessary. However, he stressed that his preferred option is a negotiated settlement, adding that Iran appears to be taking ongoing talks more seriously. He reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Friday marked the first break in nearly two weeks of continuous US strikes on Iranian targets. According to Axios, Trump declined to approve a fresh strike plan presented by military officials and instructed the military not to launch additional attacks. It remains uncertain whether the pause was temporary or signals a longer suspension, although US forces remain ready to resume operations at short notice if directed.
Despite the pause, Trump has not instructed the military to prepare for a broader campaign. At the White House, he maintained that the US could continue or even escalate attacks if required, including “knocking out everything they have,” but insisted that reaching an agreement with Iran remains the wiser course of action.
Later, during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Trump appeared more cautious about the chances of an immediate breakthrough, saying he did not believe Iran was ready for a deal but was willing to continue listening and negotiating.
The recent US military campaign targeted Iranian missile sites, drone facilities, radar systems, naval assets, and coastal defenses near the Strait of Hormuz. US officials said the operations were aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Trump’s decision to halt new strikes came shortly after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources told Axios that negotiations had made progress and that Oman and Iran could reach an agreement over the weekend. Any deal, however, would still require Trump’s approval.
The temporary pause reflects the administration’s willingness to give diplomacy additional time while assessing whether further military action would be necessary. The White House has not commented on the reports, leaving uncertainty over whether the US will maintain limited strikes, pursue a diplomatic settlement, or expand military operations against Iran.