Trump ordered military not to conduct strikes in Iran Friday: Axios

• Trump halted new US strikes on Iran Friday as diplomacy with Tehran showed signs of progress: Axios 

US President Donald Trump directed the US military not to carry out new strikes on Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week streak of daily attacks, according to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the decision.

The report said Trump had approved strike plans every day for the previous 13 days, with operations typically taking place within hours. On Friday, however, he declined to authorize the latest military plan, although it remains unclear whether the pause is temporary or signals a broader shift in strategy.

According to Axios, Trump's decision reflects a willingness to give diplomacy more room while recognizing that the current level of US strikes may have reached the limit of their effectiveness without escalating into a larger military campaign.

The report noted that the US military remains prepared to resume strikes or launch broader combat operations on short notice if ordered, but Trump has not instructed the Pentagon to move in that direction.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said the United States remains ready to continue or intensify military action against Iran but suggested diplomacy remains his preferred option.

"We're locked and loaded and ready to go, but we're talking to them," Trump said, adding that he believes "the smarter strategy" is to "make a deal" with Iran.

Later, during remarks at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Trump said he did not believe Iran was ready to reach an agreement "at the moment," but added that he was willing to listen.

Axios also reported that Israeli officials had anticipated another round of US strikes on Friday and prepared for the possibility of a large-scale American attack that could trigger Iranian retaliation against Israel.

'Israeli' security officials remained on high alert until they were informed Friday night that Trump had decided not to authorize additional strikes, the report said.

The pause reportedly came several hours after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks aimed at reaching a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources told Axios that negotiations had made progress and that an agreement between Oman and Iran could be reached over the weekend, after which Trump would decide whether to accept the proposed deal.