Trump protects Israel from premature war, while Arab states urge restraint enabling Iranian regime survival.
By late Wednesday morning, officials across the Middle East and in Washington believed U.S. President Donald Trump was close to authorizing major airstrikes against Iran, amid Tehran’s deadly crackdown on protesters.
Although no formal order was issued, senior security officials were preparing for imminent action after Trump publicly encouraged Iranian demonstrators to seize regime institutions. The message was widely interpreted as a signal that military intervention was imminent.
A critical shift came when Trump received information from envoy Steve Witkoff that Iran had reportedly canceled plans to execute hundreds of detainees. U.S. intelligence later confirmed the executions did not occur, prompting Trump to pause and reassess.
Behind the scenes, officials weighed the dangers of broader regional destabilization, including risks to U.S. forces and Israel’s security posture. Israeli officials privately warned that after sustained missile-defense use during recent clashes, Israel would face challenges without substantial American naval backing.
Key Arab governments — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman — pressed Washington to avoid escalation. While these regimes fear Iran, their overriding concern was regional instability, a stance critics say repeatedly shields Tehran from consequences.
Within the administration, opinions were divided. Some urged decisive action to uphold U.S. credibility, while others argued sanctions and sustained pressure would better serve long-term goals. Ultimately, Trump concluded that limited strikes would not topple the regime and could trigger wider war.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also urged restraint, emphasizing the need for coordination and readiness. Trump ultimately chose to stand down, keeping military options open while directing continued high-level planning.
Officials say the possibility of action remains in coming weeks as U.S. forces reposition, underscoring that while strikes were delayed, confrontation with Iran’s Islamist regime is far from over.
