Donald Trump was reportedly close to launching a military strike against Iran but decided to back off due to concerns about triggering a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, according to sources.
The US president had issued warnings to Iran, stating he was “locked and loaded” this week and cautioning the Iranian government against harming protesters, whom he assured that help was forthcoming.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt from the White House mentioned that all options were being considered, and the closure of Iranian airspace indicated a possible impending strike. However, Trump was advised by his counselors against carrying out the strike, despite military preparations for an attack the following day.
In the preceding days, various Middle Eastern allies of the US had advised the Trump administration to refrain from military action, citing concerns about further destabilizing the already turbulent region and the global economy. Trump sought advice from a diverse group of advisors before ultimately deciding against the strike, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Officials had expressed doubts to Trump about the effectiveness of strikes in overthrowing the Iranian regime and the uncertainty surrounding the targeting of military sites. Additionally, concerns were raised about the insufficient military resources available for a prolonged military engagement.
In an unexpected move on Friday, Trump expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for halting the execution of hundreds of political prisoners. His appreciative gesture hinted at a potential shift away from military action, as executions and the suppression of peaceful protests were outlined as triggers for possible US intervention.
Following a severe crackdown that resulted in thousands of fatalities, the protests in Iran, initially sparked by economic grievances and later challenging the country’s ruling system, seemed to have subsided in Tehran. Although the capital appeared calm, an internet blackout persisted, and there were no reports of unrest in other parts of the country.
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll from the unrest reached 3,090, surpassing previous protest-related casualties in Iran and drawing comparisons to the upheaval during the 1979 revolution.