President Donald Trump called off a major escalation of combat operations against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over the past weekend, according to reports. This marks the second time in recent weeks that the president has halted planned military action against the IRGC.
Reports indicate that Trump had ordered a significant escalation of combat operations for the weekend, with some allies reportedly prepared to participate. However, the decision was reversed late Saturday night. The move has been characterized by some observers as a "triple bogey" in golf, a metaphor for a significant misstep. Some allies urged a delay in the planned action.
The president has stated that the administration's goal is to achieve a verifiable abandonment of Iran's nuclear weapons program and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has previously expressed skepticism about the Iranian regime's negotiators, stating that the IRGC "lies and ... cheats." He has also referred to the regime as "scum."
This latest reversal follows a previous instance where major combat operations were called off. The IRGC has been accused of breaking agreements, including one for a ceasefire in exchange for an open Strait of Hormuz, and for a surprise attack on U.S. forces in Jordan.
Despite these actions, Trump has signaled a desire for a diplomatic solution, aiming to "win" by achieving specific objectives rather than engaging in prolonged conflict. The situation remains fluid, with the administration navigating complex geopolitical tensions with Iran.