Trump instructed the army not to carry out attacks in Iran on Friday

- Axios reporter Barak Ravid

Two sources familiar with the matter told Axios that President Trump instructed the U.S. military not to carry out new attacks in Iran on Friday; a move that ended a nearly two-week streak of daily strikes.

Why it matters: The instruction came after he approved daily attacks against Iran over the past 13 days. It is unclear whether Trump’s order on Friday was temporary or whether the pause will continue.

Trump’s decision reflects his desire to create more room for diplomacy, as well as his acceptance of the reality that—without a return to broad combat operations—the current level of U.S. attacks has reached its ceiling of effectiveness.

If Trump orders the resumption of attacks, the U.S. military could mobilize its forces in the short term.

Sources said the U.S. military is still preparing plans in case there is a return to broad combat operations, but Trump has not issued an order to move in that direction.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the matter.

What happened: Over the past two weeks, Trump had been approving attack plans submitted by the military every afternoon. The attacks were carried out only a few hours later.

On Friday, Trump received a similar plan but did not give the green light. Sources said instead that he instructed the military not to carry out an attack.

Shortly after the order was issued, Trump told reporters at the White House that he still has the option of continuing the strikes or even escalating them, including “destroying everything they have.”

But he made clear that he believes the “smarter strategy” is to reach a deal with Iran.

Trump said: “We’re talking to the [Iranians] right now. I think as days go by, they get more and more serious. We’re fully prepared and fully equipped and ready to act, but we’re talking to them.”

Later on Friday, Trump, in remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, said he doesn’t think Iran is ready to make a deal right now, “but I’m ready to hear.”

Current status: Trump’s order to stop the ceasefire was issued a few hours after the entry of an Omani delegation to Tehran on Friday; a delegation that traveled to Iran to discuss a new agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Iran.

Two regional sources familiar with the talks said progress has been made in these discussions and that an agreement between Oman and Iran could be reached over the weekend.

At that point, President Trump would need to decide whether to accept the proposed deal or not.