President Donald Trump has halted new U.S. strikes against Iran after nearly two weeks of attacks, as the administration assesses whether Tehran is prepared to negotiate. The pause, which began Friday, does not signal a de-escalation, with Trump warning that a "full-scale war" could return if Iran does not meet U.S. demands.
Trump stated in a phone interview with France's LCI news that he remained prepared to restart major military operations if Tehran fails to comply with U.S. objectives. "If we don’t get 100% of what we want, absolutely," he said when asked about the possibility of returning to full-scale conflict.
The White House has not publicly declared the pause a formal cease-fire, and military options remain on the table. Trump indicated on Thursday that the U.S. was "locked and loaded" for a significant potential attack while diplomatic talks continued.
This shift follows weeks of escalating actions between Washington and Tehran, which have included U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets and Iranian missile and drone attacks against American interests and positions in the Gulf. The outcome of this pause hinges on whether it can lead to a broader agreement, with Trump asserting that Iran desires a deal but demanding major concessions. Iranian officials have publicly resisted U.S. pressure, while internal divisions persist within Tehran regarding the best approach between diplomacy and confrontation.
Meanwhile, the conflict appears to be expanding into another critical region. Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels exchanged airstrikes on Saturday, increasing concerns about the widening conflict reaching another vital maritime corridor. This escalation occurred days after the Iran-backed Houthis targeted several Saudi commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden through which approximately 5% of global maritime trade passes.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for launching numerous ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at facilities belonging to Saudi state-owned energy giant Aramco in the Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan. According to Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, these operations "successfully achieved their objectives." He also stated that the "blockade on the Saudi enemy is still ongoing in response to their aggression."
The Houthi barrage was presented as retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Friday that targeted sites in Hodeidah and Karaman Island, including naval targets. As of Saturday morning, Saudi Arabia had not publicly confirmed any strikes on Aramco facilities. The region has approximately 20 U.S. warships present in case further military action is ordered.