President Donald Trump was reportedly close to launching a military strike against Iran but ultimately decided against it due to concerns about sparking a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Trump had issued warnings to Iran, stating that he was ready to take action and urging the government not to harm protesters. Despite preparations for a potential strike, advisors persuaded Trump to hold off, citing uncertainties about the effectiveness of the strikes and the potential lack of military resources for a sustained operation.
Several US allies in the Middle East advised against the strike, expressing fears of destabilizing the region and the global economy. Trump consulted a wide range of advisors before opting against the military action. Notably, Trump expressed gratitude towards Iran for not carrying out executions of political prisoners, indicating a possible shift away from a confrontational stance.
The situation in Iran has seen harsh repression with thousands of casualties, leading to a suppression of protests that initially began over economic issues. Recent reports suggest a decline in protests in Tehran, with life returning to normalcy in the city. However, an internet blackout persists, and the death toll continues to rise, reaching over 3,000 according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in Iran in recent history.