President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran during what is now a 42-day ceasefire, met with his national security team Monday night following the cancellation of another planned strike. The meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Trump has been seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict that began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian political leaders and military infrastructure. He announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7 and then ordered a blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. On April 21, hours before the ceasefire was set to expire, Trump extended the agreement indefinitely after Pakistani mediators requested he pause planned military attacks.
Since then, Trump has repeatedly said “the clock is ticking” on Iran. On May 11, he stated the ceasefire was on “life support” following his rejection of an Iranian peace proposal.
Trump’s review of military plans Monday, after repeated threats to strike Iran, suggests he is seriously considering resuming attacks. U.S. officials confirmed that Trump had not decided to strike Iran before announcing Monday’s pause. On Tuesday, he said he had been “an hour away” from issuing the order.
Concerns from several Gulf leaders about potential Iranian retaliation against oil facilities and infrastructure influenced Trump’s decision to hold off, according to U.S. officials and regional sources. These leaders urged Trump to give negotiations another chance.
Many U.S. officials expressed surprise at Trump’s announcement on Monday and remain uncertain about his next move. Some believe he could delay a decision again if no diplomatic breakthrough occurs.
Trump described “serious negotiations” as ongoing, though a senior U.S. official noted the latest Iranian counterproposal showed little progress. A regional source indicated that mediators are working to persuade Iran to present a more flexible position addressing U.S. demands regarding nuclear ambitions.
“We may have to give Iran another big hit. I am not sure yet. You will know soon,” Trump said Tuesday.
