WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has instructed the American military not to launch any new strikes against Iran, bringing to an end nearly two weeks of daily military operations, according to a report by Axios.
The decision, reportedly issued on Friday, signals a temporary shift in Washington’s approach as the White House explores diplomatic options amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Trump ordered military not to conduct strikes in Iran Friday https://t.co/M8RByi5E82
— Axios (@axios) July 25, 2026
Two sources familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump believes the current phase of US military action has achieved as much as it reasonably could, prompting him to pause further offensive operations.
According to the report, the move reflects both the administration’s desire to provide greater space for diplomacy and an assessment that continued strikes are unlikely to produce significantly better military outcomes at this stage.
Despite the pause, the US military remains on alert and is continuing to prepare contingency plans should the situation deteriorate. However, the report noted that President Trump has not authorised a return to large-scale combat operations against Iran.
The temporary halt does not indicate that military options have been ruled out altogether, with defence planners reportedly maintaining readiness for any future escalation if required. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report.
