According to sources, a military option is still on the table, but the president’s decision to temporarily “hold off” on pressing the button has raised concerns within the U.S. government and among allies about the risk of wide-scale retaliation.

Israeli officials have requested more time to prepare, doubting that the current U.S. plan is strong enough to seriously destabilize the Iranian regime.

Trump has declared he would take military action if Iran kills protesters participating in ongoing anti-government demonstrations. Meanwhile, Tehran has closed its airspace amid fears of a U.S. attack.

Decisions are being made by a small circle of senior officials. Trump remains open to diplomacy but seeks a direct commitment from the top of the Iranian leadership that a serious agreement is possible.

Background and Current Status

Trump appears cautious about a military strike on Iran as the White House coordinates with allies to evaluate whether such an attack could truly destabilize Tehran’s regime.

Sources from the U.S., Israel, and Arab countries told Axios that while a military option remains clearly on the table, the president’s temporary freeze on launching a strike has sparked intense concern over potential massive Iranian retaliation.

While exploring diplomatic options, the U.S. military is repositioning forces in the Middle East, including deploying the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group to the region. Although an immediate strike is not expected, a U.S. official told Axios, “Everyone knows the president keeps his finger on the button.”

Israeli Concerns

Israeli officials have expressed particular reservations over the past 48 hours. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Trump on Wednesday, requesting more time for Israel to prepare for possible Iranian retaliation, as first reported by The New York Times.

An Israeli source said the current U.S. plan—which includes strikes against Iranian security forces—is not considered strong enough to significantly destabilize the regime.

Protests and Pressure on Iran

Trump has repeatedly stated he would act militarily if Iran kills protesters, who have been demonstrating against the government for weeks. On Tuesday, Trump posted on social media “HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” urging the Iranian people to “take over” state institutions.

Thousands of protesters are believed to have been killed, while Iranian authorities have drastically restricted internet and communications access.

Halted Executions and Airspace Closure

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said that 800 planned executions were suspended due to pressure from Trump. The president claimed to have been informed by a “credible source” that “killings in Iran are stopping.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any plans for hanging protesters in an interview with Fox News.

Despite this, Tehran closed its airspace for several hours Wednesday night, fearing a U.S. attack. An Arab source noted that “the Americans are reassessing the situation,” while officials believe Washington’s public rhetoric aims to maintain uncertainty and apply psychological pressure on Iran.

Decision-Making and Diplomacy

Decisions are made by an extremely limited group of top officials. “The president is not ruling out any option, now or in the future,” a U.S. source said, emphasizing that Trump “always keeps his options open.” Another official cautioned that it is premature to speak of a de-escalation shift.

On Tuesday, Trump met with top national security advisors but no final decision was made. On Thursday, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan claimed Trump assured Tehran there would be no attack, a claim denied by the White House. Shortly after, Trump shared news on Truth Social about the suspension of the death sentence for a 26-year-old protester, calling it “good news.”

U.S.-Israel Coordination and Sanctions

Behind the scenes, the U.S. and Israel are closely coordinating, with Netanyahu avoiding overt pressure for military action. Meanwhile, Washington is increasing sanctions targeting, among others, Ali Larijani, a close associate of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

U.S. sources say Trump remains open to diplomacy but seeks direct commitment from Iran’s top leadership that a serious deal is achievable.