President Donald Trump was on the brink of authorising military strikes against Iran this week before being persuaded to stand down by advisors warning of a protracted and destabilising war, according to White House insiders.
The 'Locked and Loaded' Ultimatum
The dramatic escalation came after Trump issued a stark public warning to the Iranian government, stating he was "locked and loaded" and urging authorities not to execute protesters. He directly addressed demonstrators, promising "help is on the way." The situation appeared to be moving rapidly towards conflict, with Iran's closing of airspace further signalling that an attack was considered imminent. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored the seriousness of the moment, confirming that "all options remain on the table."
Advisors Urge Restraint as Plans Were Finalised
Despite military preparations being advanced for a strike planned for Wednesday, 15 January 2026, Trump convened a wide range of advisors. Officials, reportedly including several key military figures, expressed deep reservations. Their counsel, which ultimately swayed the President, centred on several critical concerns:
- Doubts that targeted strikes alone would be sufficient to topple the Iranian regime.
- Uncertainty over the effectiveness of attacking military sites.
- A significant worry that the US lacked the ready military resources for a long, drawn-out campaign in the region.
These warnings were echoed by several Middle Eastern allies of the United States, who privately urged the Trump administration to hold off. They feared military action would destabilise an already volatile region and send shockwaves through the global economy.
A Conciliatory Shift and the Human Toll
By Friday, 17 January 2026, Trump's tone had shifted notably. In an unusual move, he publicly thanked the Iranian government from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, claiming "Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people" and stating he "greatly respected" the decision. This conciliatory note is seen as a further signal he is stepping back from the brink of military action.
The potential executions, along with the killing of peaceful protesters, had been two of the red lines Trump set for possible intervention. The protest movement, which began on 28 December 2025 over economic grievances before challenging the theocracy itself, has been met with harsh repression. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates the death toll has reached at least 3,090—a figure that surpasses any other round of unrest in Iran for decades. While street life in Tehran has returned to a surface normality, a week-long internet blackout persists, and the reported death toll continues to rise.
