Trump Considering Halting Iran Attacks Without New Provocations

U.S. President Donald Trump has told his senior advisors he is considering not resuming attacks against Iran, provided there are no new provocations from Tehran or the Houthis in Yemen, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. Current and former officials noted that the President has likely not yet decided on a definitive course of action to end the confrontation with Iran. However, in meetings with his advisors, Trump expressed understanding towards U.S. allies in the region who have sought to avoid being drawn back into a full-scale war. In recent weeks, Trump has spoken by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both of whom urged him not to resume attacks against Iran, according to a senior U.S. official and another individual involved in the discussions. Trump has not committed to any specific direction. The Turkish presidency stated that Trump and Erdoğan have spoken three times since October 28, with an official statement from November 7 emphasizing the need to end tensions between Iran and the United States. Trump informed bin Salman on October 31 of his intention to attack after the election, but the Crown Prince urged him to wait, arguing that economic sanctions on Iran were proving effective, according to two additional sources familiar with the conversation. Trump himself told sports broadcaster Stephen A. Smith on Thursday, "I could have ended it immediately, but at the request of the countries I want to protect, we are proceeding a little longer, and more civilized way." Two U.S. officials with knowledge of intelligence assessments stated that U.S. intelligence agencies believe the naval blockade and economic sanctions are damaging Iran's economy and will continue to exert pressure on Tehran. The U.S. military, which has been blockading Iranian maritime traffic for months, is also working to prevent the entry of sanctioned weapons and materials into the country, both overland and via the Caspian Sea, as previously reported. The military is also prepared for escalation if necessary, according to three additional sources involved in U.S. planning. A third aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the Middle East soon to replace one of the two currently operating in the region, though all three carriers might remain if needed. Trump may opt to strike Iran's underground nuclear facilities, one source involved in his talks with Saudi and Turkish leaders suggested. However, the U.S. has attacked these facilities before, and it is unclear if further strikes would yield results. U.S. intelligence agencies assess that renewed attacks would not lead to a significant change in Iran's negotiating demands, according to two senior U.S. officials. Trump also received an update on U.S. weapons stockpiles, some of which have dwindled to concerning levels, according to two officials familiar with intelligence briefings. Reports in August indicated that the U.S. had used nearly all of its long-range precision munitions, and the stockpile has not yet been replenished, according to another source. However, a White House official stated that "the U.S. military has sufficient munitions and ordnance to achieve all of the Chairman's strategic objectives, and more." Meanwhile, Israeli officials continue to pressure the U.S. administration to launch another military campaign, according to a senior U.S. official. Trump hinted this week that the U.S. had achieved all it could through negotiation but did not clarify if he intended to resume attacks. "We don't need a deal with Iran," he wrote on social media Thursday. "Their money, hundreds of billions of dollars, is going to be gone, and their great deal will soon be gone!" A White House official stated, "As Commander-in-Chief, President Trump is the sole planner and decision-maker, holding all the cards, and he will always ensure America's interests are protected." "The United States is in a very strong position, controlling the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iranian economy is collapsing. Only President Trump knows what he will do, and when." The CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide comments.