US media report Trump ordered halt to new Iran strikes
American media outlets report President Donald Trump issued instructions on 24 July to avoid launching further attacks on Iran, marking a potential pause in hostilities following a cycle of strikes that included US missile launches and Israeli operations.
US media reports indicate that President Donald Trump issued instructions on 24 July 2026 to refrain from launching a new attack on Iran. The directive, as cited by NHK News Japan, comes amidst a period of heightened military tension and follows approximately two weeks of retaliatory strikes between the United States and Iran.
According to the reports, no direct attacks were recorded between 25 and 26 July. This apparent pause in hostilities occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional instability, which has seen US forces fire 49 Tomahawk missiles at Iranian targets and Israel conduct airstrikes on military sites in western and central Iran, including Tehran, Tabriz, and Isfahan.
The reported instruction follows a period of intense exchange, including Iranian missile fire at Israeli targets in response to an attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs. The timing of the alleged directive suggests a strategic shift or de-escalation attempt by the White House, although the specific scope and nature of the instructions have not been detailed in the available reporting.
Tensions remain acute regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya command announced on Thursday that the waterway was closed to all vessel traffic and threatened to target any ships transiting the area. This declaration followed Iranian strikes on two vessels attempting to pass through the route.
Conversely, US Central Command has disputed the claim of a total closure, stating that commercial ships continue to transit the strait. The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing uncertainty surrounding maritime security in the region as diplomatic and military channels navigate the aftermath of the recent strikes.
