US President Donald Trump reportedly instructed the military not to carry out the new attacks on Iran that he had previously approved on Friday.
According to Axios, citing two sources close to the matter, Trump’s decision means a pause in the daily US attacks against Iran, which have been ongoing for 13 days. It is not yet clear whether this step is a temporary halt or a sign of a more comprehensive shift in Washington’s Iran policy.
The decision was noteworthy because it came hours after an Omani delegation traveled to Tehran to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. Reports of progress in negotiations mediated by Oman strengthened expectations that military tensions could be reduced.
However, diplomatic talks have yet to reach a comprehensive agreement. According to the New York Times, Iran rejected a US-sourced ceasefire proposal conveyed to Tehran by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Iranian officials reportedly argued that the proposal did not resolve the dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz and only envisioned a temporary ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington on Monday at Trump’s invitation. Netanyahu is reportedly scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Tuesday and attend the funeral of the late US Senator Lindsey Graham.
*This is not investment advice.
