US press reports: Why Trump postponed attacks on Iran revealed

Following the escalation of tensions between the US and Iran through mutual attacks over the past two weeks, The New York Times (NYT) has brought a striking claim from Washington circles to the agenda.

According to the newspaper's report based on government sources, US President Donald Trump, who signaled on Friday that attacks on Iran could be increased, postponed the planned large-scale operation for now after evaluations with his senior advisors.

The report stated that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine warned that if a comprehensive operation were launched against Iran again, the inventory of interceptor missiles at the US Central Command (CENTCOM) could drop to critical levels. It was claimed that this assessment was influential in Trump's decision-making process.

THE IMPACT OF THE OPERATION IS BEING DEBATED IN WASHINGTON

Another senior US official stated that there are question marks within the administration regarding the view that further expanding military operations would force Iran to the negotiating table.

The source conveyed that assessments are being made that, contrary to expectations, the recent attacks have strengthened the perception of an external threat in Iran and increased the sense of unity within the country.

PREPARATIONS FOR A LARGE-SCALE OPERATION CONTINUE

The US military had paused its attacks on Iran, which it had been conducting continuously for 13 nights, last night upon Trump's instructions.

On the other hand, it was stated that the US military continues its preparations for the option of a comprehensive operation against Iran, but President Trump has not yet made his final decision on the matter.

News Source: İHA