President Donald Trump has decided to hold off, at least temporarily, on plans for a major escalation of U.S. military operations against Iran this weekend.
The decision follows nearly two weeks of daily U.S. airstrikes, which commenced following the collapse of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU, which was signed electronically by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, established a 60-day framework for a cease-fire, gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, limited sanctions relief including oil export waivers, and negotiations toward a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and related issues.
In the initial days after the signing, both sides took steps consistent with the document. The United States issued temporary waivers allowing Iranian oil sales, and shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz began to recover from wartime lows.
However, implementation faced immediate challenges, including differing interpretations of commitments on nuclear inspections and the precise terms for maritime access.
Tensions resurfaced in late June. On June 26, the United States reported an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and launched retaliatory strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including drone facilities, surveillance systems, and air defenses.
The situation deteriorated further in early July. On July 7, attacks struck multiple commercial ships, including tankers linked to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States responded with strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets, focusing on air defense systems, command networks, coastal radars, anti-ship missiles, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels.
Concurrently, the U.S. Treasury revoked the oil export waiver granted under the MOU. On July 8, while attending a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump stated that the memorandum was “over” from his perspective and described further dealings with Iranian leaders as a “waste of time.”
By Friday evening, operations had continued for 13 nights, targeting military command centers, missile and drone storage, coastal surveillance, maritime assets, and logistics infrastructure. The naval blockade of Iranian ports was reinstated, and further sanctions were imposed on networks supporting Iranian financial activities.
Also on Friday, Trump indicated that he was considering a larger-scale operation, describing it as potentially “bigger than ever before.” He met with senior advisers and cabinet members that day to review options, while Pentagon assets, including additional forces and munitions, had been positioned in the region.
By Friday evening, however, plans for an immediate major escalation were set aside. Trump told reporters that forces remained prepared while talks with Iran continued and that Tehran appeared to be growing more serious in negotiations.
No U.S. strikes were announced for the night of July 24-25, marking the first pause after the recent sequence of operations.
