The White House rejected a New York Times report about shelving a plan to intensify military operations against the Islamic Republic. Steven Chang, White House communications director, said Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has always said he prefers a diplomatic solution, but if the Islamic Republic continues its terrorist actions in the Strait of Hormuz or against its allies, it keeps all options on the table.

Chang added that after sanctions that have crippled the Islamic Republic’s economy and 13 days of consecutive attacks on military targets, it is reasonable for this government to move toward an agreement. He said that otherwise, the other side will know what will happen.

Earlier, the New York Times reported that Mr. Trump has temporarily halted a broader military campaign. Based on the report, military commanders warned that a broader campaign could sharply reduce Patriot interceptor stockpiles and make U.S. forces, Gulf partners, and key facilities vulnerable to retaliatory attacks.

Based on the New York Times report, a number of advisers, including Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s adviser, have called for a less risky course based on continued negotiations and economic pressure.