Trump Holds Off on Iran Strikes as US, Israel Prepare for Possible Military Operation

WASHINGTON, Nov 9: US President Donald Trump has held off on ordering renewed military strikes against Iran despite preparations by American and Israeli forces for a possible military operation, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

Citing two sources, the newspaper reported that both militaries had been preparing for potential action against Iran over the weekend, but Trump ultimately did not authorize an attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly met with senior security officials on Friday afternoon to discuss preparations for the possibility of a US military strike.

Meanwhile, two diplomatic sources told The Jerusalem Post that Trump had given Vice President JD Vance and other senior administration officials “a few days” to pursue an agreement with Tehran, suggesting Washington was keeping the diplomatic option open before considering military action.

In an interview with CNN, Trump described renewed military action as “highly unlikely” if negotiations resulted in a strong agreement.

“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump said, while warning that he would order strikes if necessary.

Despite the decision to hold off on an attack, the United States continued strengthening its military presence in the Middle East.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island were reportedly heading toward the region, adding to the US military posture amid continuing tensions with Iran.

The latest developments point to a continuing combination of military preparedness and diplomatic pressure, with Washington leaving open the possibility of renewed strikes if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.