i24NEWS reports that President Trump has frozen the expansion of military operations against Iran because of a shortage of interceptor missiles. The White House reiterated that it is keeping all options on the table.
A new report from i24NEWS, citing unnamed sources, says President Trump has frozen the expansion of military operations against Iran specifically because of a shortage of interceptor missiles. The White House earlier today (Sun 13:23 Jerusalem) reiterated that all options remain on the table, as Communications Director Steven Cheung told Fox News the president prefers a diplomatic solution but warned against continued Iranian actions in the Strait of Hormuz or against US allies.
The story unfolded rapidly over the past 24 hours. On Saturday evening (Sat Jul 25, 20:10 Jerusalem), Axios first reported that Trump opposes expanding strikes on Iran for now, while the US military prepares contingency plans for large-scale operations. The New York Times then reported that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine secretly warned the administration that renewed fighting would dangerously deplete US Patriot interceptor stocks in the Middle East. Multiple NYT reports followed, confirming that Trump froze plans for significant escalation, citing interceptor concerns. An Israeli media report also quoted Brig. Gen. (res.) Oren Solomon, who suggested the leak might be a deception to mislead Iran, but warned that if genuine it could signal that pressure will pass. That evening, the White House confirmed that all options remain on the table.
The Zioneer has previously reported on internal US debates over a short-duration campaign and a full-scale war option that Trump reviewed but decided against for now, as well as ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Oman and Pakistan.
The i24NEWS report remains unverified and based on unnamed sources. The White House has not confirmed the specific interceptor shortage claim. Oren Solomon's comment raises the possibility of intentional deception, leaving the true state of US military planning unclear.
12 developments
- StrongTrump reviewed full-scale war option with Iran but decided against it for now, WSJ reports
- StrongTrump ordered halt to US strikes on Iran for two weeks, Axios reports
- ConfirmedTrump discussed a short but extensive military operation in Iran, the White House weighs short-duration campaign
- DevelopingAnalysis: Iran plays for time, Trump prepares battlefield for a larger campaign
Source and signal
- Open-source intake