Donald Trump says "a smarter strategy that you make a deal" on Iran exit strategy

In the context of escalating conflict in the Middle East—where Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed a missile strike on a Saudi Arabian city and have blockaded the Red Sea, while U.S.-led strikes on Iran continue—President Donald Trump said he would delay a major military operation because Tehran was now taking negotiations more seriously. Asked about an exit strategy for the military campaign against Iran, Trump described two possible paths: continuing and even intensifying the current bombing campaign, or pursuing a negotiated settlement. His remarks came after the U.S. military paused its daily announcements of fresh attacks on Iran, following 13 consecutive nights of strikes. The broader situation involves the Houthi–Saudi confrontation, Iran’s parallel blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S.-Israeli operations that began in February. Trump’s statement signals a possible shift in approach as talks with Iran reportedly progress.