Trump Considers Halting Further Iran Strikes as Gulf Allies Push for Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has told his advisers that he is considering refraining from further military strikes against Iran, provided Tehran and the Houthis avoid additional provocations, Reuters reported Saturday.

According to the report, Trump has expressed understanding of concerns raised by Gulf allies seeking to prevent a renewed regional war. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly urged the president to avoid further military action during recent conversations. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani delivered a similar message during a meeting with Trump last week.

Gulf Diplomacy and Strait of Hormuz Negotiations

A separate Associated Press report indicated that Trump is also considering allowing Gulf countries to take the lead in negotiations with Iran over activity in the Strait of Hormuz.

The president reportedly believes that oil shipments through the strategic waterway are approaching prewar levels, strengthening his confidence that he may soon be able to declare his military objectives achieved.

The apparent shift follows a series of statements last week in which Trump warned that additional strikes remained an option. He also raised the possibility of a broader three-day military operation targeting Iranian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.

US Military Remains Prepared for Escalation

Despite the diplomatic discussions, American forces remain prepared for renewed military action if necessary, Reuters reported earlier this week.

A third US aircraft carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, is expected to arrive in the Middle East early next week to replace the USS George Washington, which has been operating in the region for several months.

The developments suggest that Washington is weighing diplomatic options while maintaining its military presence, leaving the possibility of further strikes dependent on Iran's actions and the outcome of regional negotiations.