Trump appears to be easing away from an immediate strike on Iran after days of speculation that U.S. and Israeli leaders had effectively green‑lit attacks for the January 31–February 1 window, with sources saying discussions are now more focused on diplomacy even as military pressure continues. Unnamed U.S. officials cited by Axios insist there are still no “serious negotiations” under way and doubt Tehran’s willingness to accept Trump’s terms, while Iranian figures talk about an “equitable” deal and deny any recent direct contacts, framing progress as cautious and indirect at best. The de‑escalatory signals came amid fresh tensions on the ground: Iran suffered deadly gas‑explosion blasts in Bandar Abbas and Ahvaz that fueled online rumors of an assassination attempt on the IRGC navy commander, which Iranian media and the Guards strongly rejected, and both the U.S. and Israel denied any role. At the same time, Iran is pushing ahead with two‑day live‑fire naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz despite U.S. warnings, a show of strength near American warships that underscores how any shift from war plans to talks is unfolding against a backdrop of continued military posturing by both sides.