Trump Weighs Pause as U.S. Military Prepares to Escalate

Trump is weighing a conditional pause in possible U.S. strikes on Iran if Iran and the Houthis it supports make no new provocations against the United States, while U.S. forces remain ready to escalate.

Trump has told senior advisers he may hold off if that condition is met. After National Security Council and intelligence briefings, he is leaning toward a pause and shares Middle Eastern allies’ concerns about a wider war. His position has shifted between escalation and gradually ending hostilities.

The U.S. military remains prepared to intensify operations if needed. Trump has also kept a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities below ground among his options, pairing a possible pause with continued military pressure.

The deliberations follow Trump’s earlier rejection of five proposed strike options involving Iran or the Houthis.