A series of urgent high-level contacts among the U.S., Israel, Iran and Russia has slowed, but not removed, the possibility of an American strike on Iran amid mass anti‑regime protests and a harsh crackdown. The key development is that President Donald Trump has delayed a decision on military action after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately urged him to “hold off” so Israel can prepare for possible Iranian retaliation. Axios and other outlets reported that Trump and Netanyahu have spoken at least twice this week, including calls on January 14 and 15 focused on whether and when the U.S. might hit Iranian targets over the regime’s killing of protesters. Watch for more