President Donald Trump on Friday directed the US military not to launch new attacks on Iran, pausing strikes that had continued for nearly two weeks, Axios reported Saturday, citing two sources familiar with the matter. After authorizing airstrikes for 13 days, Trump did not approve plans for fresh attacks on Friday.

It remains unclear whether the pause is temporary or signals a broader policy shift. The report said the decision indicates that Trump wants to leave more room for diplomatic discussions and believes the current scope of military action has reached its limit without entering a new major war. The US military is continuing preparations for a possible escalation, but Trump has not ordered such action.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States could continue or intensify the attacks and had the ability to destroy everything Iran has. However, he said the smartest current strategy was to reach an agreement with Iran. He said talks were under way, while later telling a White House Correspondents' Association dinner that Iran did not appear ready for a deal, though he was willing to listen.