Stephen Smith stories

Nov 14, 2026

Trump tells advisers he may hold off on further Iran strikes barring new provocations

President Trump has told senior advisers he may refrain from attacking Iran if no new provocations occur from Tehran or the Houthis, following advice from Saudi Arabia and Turkey to avoid resumed strikes. Secretary of State Rubio separately said further US military action against Iran is unnecessary given the economic damage already inflicted.

Nov 14, 20267 sources

Top claims

▪Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan spoke with President Donald Trump three times starting October 28, 2026, with an official readout from November 7 emphasizing that U.S.-Iran tensions must end
▪In a social media post on November 12, 2026, President Donald Trump stated the United States does not need a deal with Iran because it controls Iran's money and the Strait of Hormuz
▪A White House official stated that President Donald Trump is the sole decision-maker regarding military action and that the United States holds a strong position through control of the Strait of Hormuz

Topics

2026 U.S. midterm elections Mohammed bin Salman Republican Party The U.S.-Iran war: parties, proxies & operations JD Vance Congress Strait of Hormuz blockage Foreign policy & conflicts Democrats take back Congress US midterm elections Democratic Party Iran War US pre-midterm pause in Iran strikes Trump administration Strait of Hormuz

Related entities

United States Iran Israel Saudi Arabia Houthis Yemen Turkey