Axios reported that the halt of U.S. attacks on Islamic Republic positions was carried out with the recommendation of “Baird,” CENTCOM commander. According to him, continuing these attacks at their current level is no longer very effective. He said the likely next step could be a broad combat operation.

Hoshang Hassaniyari, a Middle East and military affairs expert, says that contrary to some accounts, stopping the attacks does not mean an end to America’s military options, and from CENTCOM’s perspective the next phase may require more, not fewer, actions.