Trump claimed Iran had only two to three days to reach a diplomatic breakthrough, with timing framed around Friday or Saturday and early next week. U.S. officials said Trump had not actually decided to strike Iran before announcing a pause, and he later said he was “an hour away” from giving the order. A meeting with the national security team occurred Monday evening, with Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior officials, and it covered diplomatic status and military strike options. Gulf leaders urged negotiations to continue, citing concerns about Iranian retaliation against oil facilities and infrastructure. Some Iran hawks believed Trump wanted to pressure Iran into negotiations, while other officials were surprised and uncertain about his direction.
"Trump continues to claim Iran has only a few days to reach a diplomatic breakthrough. He said Monday that the deadline was "two-three days, maybe Friday or Saturday, early next week." While Trump has repeatedly threatened military action during the ceasefire without following through, the fact that he was briefed on military plans on Monday suggests he's seriously considering resuming the war."
"Behind the scenes: U.S. officials say Trump hadn't actually made a decision to strike Iran before announcing a pause. On Tuesday, he said he'd been "an hour away" from giving the order. Some officials did expect Trump to decide on strikes in a meeting with his national security team that was expected on Tuesday, but ultimately took place on Monday evening."
"His decision to hold off was partially due to concerns raised by several Gulf leaders about Iranian retaliation against their oil facilities and infrastructure, U.S. officials and regional sources say. The U.S. officials said the Gulf leaders urged Trump to give negotiations another chance. In the room: Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other senior officials attended the meeting."
"A U.S. source close to Trump said that several Iran hawks who have spoken to the president since his announcement on Monday got the impression that "he is in the mood of cracking their head open to get them to move in the negotiations." Many other U.S. officials were surprised by Trump's announcement on Monday, and admit they're confused as to which direction Trump is heading."
Read at Axios
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