WASHINGTON/ TE AVIV/ TEHRAN — A last-minute decision by Donald Trump to accept a ceasefire proposal stunned close advisers and key allies, as the United States appeared to be on the brink of a major military escalation with Iran.
According to Axios, even senior figures within Trump’s inner circle were left in the dark over his final course of action, with many expecting him to reject diplomatic overtures and authorize a large-scale strike.
Defense officials said contingency plans had already been drawn up at the Pentagon for extensive air operations targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and other strategic facilities. The preparations reflected growing concern in Washington that tensions could rapidly spiral into open conflict.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. Everything was chaotic,” a senior defense official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity, underscoring the uncertainty that surrounded decision-making at the highest levels.
Regional allies, including Israel and several Gulf states, had braced for a forceful Iranian retaliation in the event of US strikes. Analysts warned that Tehran could target American bases and allied interests across the region, potentially triggering a wider war.
However, in a dramatic shift, Trump opted for de-escalation, announcing acceptance of a ceasefire agreement in the final moments. The move caught both US officials and allies off guard, halting what many believed was an imminent confrontation.
The decision was accompanied by a notable change in tone. Trump referred to Tehran as the “Islamic Republic of Iran” — a departure from his typically hardline rhetoric — and went further by sharing an official statement from Iran’s foreign ministry on his personal platform, signaling a sudden diplomatic pivot.
Political analysts say the episode highlights Trump’s often unpredictable leadership style, which has repeatedly complicated efforts by allies and officials to anticipate US policy.
While the immediate crisis appears to have been defused, AFP sources caution that tensions remain high, and the risk of future escalation in the region cannot be ruled out.
