Trump says US halted strikes on Iran after Tehran sought talks, warns attacks could resume

US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States paused its recent military strikes on Iran after Tehran requested a meeting and urged Washington to stop the attacks. He also warned that military action could resume if ongoing discussions fail to produce a new ceasefire agreement.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while travelling to Waterford Township, Trump said Iran had reached out through diplomatic channels and directly, describing the current situation as an opportunity for negotiations following nearly two weeks of military action.

Trump says Iran requested talks

Addressing reporters, Trump claimed Iran had asked the United States to halt the strikes and begin discussions. According to him, the request marked a shift toward diplomacy after weeks of heightened tensions.

Trump quoted Iran’s message as saying, “Please stop, let’s meet,” adding that Washington had agreed to engage in talks. He said the next steps would depend on whether the two sides could reach an agreement.

He also warned that if negotiations fail, the United States could resume military operations against Iran.

US pauses strikes after internal discussions

The decision to suspend the bombing campaign came after discussions within the US administration regarding the possible consequences of expanding military operations.

According to CNN, Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine raised concerns over further escalation. Their discussions reportedly included issues related to US munitions stockpiles and broader strategic implications.

The military campaign had continued for nearly two weeks before the decision was taken to temporarily halt further strikes.

CENTCOM commander reportedly recommended stopping campaign

According to Axios, citing two sources familiar with the matter, US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper recommended ending the bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz.

The report said Cooper believed the operation had reached the limit of its effectiveness. Axios further reported that recommendations from several civilian and military advisers also influenced Trump’s decision to pause the strikes on Friday.

Trump says communication with Iran is ongoing

Trump said communication channels with Iran remain open and that discussions are taking place both directly and through intermediaries.

Speaking about the negotiations, he said, “We’re talking with Iran right now,” while adding that the talks were progressing positively.

According to Trump, Iran would not have sought a meeting if the US military campaign had been ineffective. He claimed Tehran requested discussions because of the impact of recent American strikes.

He also stated that Iran had approached Washington both through surrogates and directly, adding that meetings between the two sides are now underway.

Missile interceptor supplies addressed

Trump also responded to questions regarding US missile interceptor stockpiles. He said the United States continues to have significant ammunition reserves across different categories while efforts are underway to increase supplies further.

He criticised the previous administration under former President Joe Biden for sending weapons to Ukraine, saying the United States is now rebuilding its inventory.

Trump specifically highlighted Patriot missile systems, stating that additional units are currently being produced as part of efforts to strengthen American defence capabilities.

Future action depends on outcome of talks

The US President made it clear that diplomacy remains the preferred course for now, but stressed that military action remains an option if negotiations do not succeed.

He reiterated that the future direction of US policy would depend entirely on whether ongoing discussions result in a new agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Key Highlights

• Donald Trump said the US paused strikes after Iran requested talks.
• Trump claimed Tehran urged Washington to stop military action and hold a meeting.
• The US warned strikes could resume if negotiations fail.
• Internal discussions reportedly considered escalation risks and ammunition stockpiles.
• Axios reported CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper recommended ending the bombing campaign around the Strait of Hormuz.
• Trump said the US and Iran are currently holding talks through direct and indirect channels.
• The US President also said the country continues to strengthen its missile interceptor stockpiles.