Trump says Iranian officials asked him to halt bombing

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Iranian officials asked him to stop bombing operations, without specifying which strikes or the timing of the request. In remarks reported Friday, Trump said the Iranians communicated the request directly to him. The request comes amid heightened military activity in the region and follows a pattern of diplomatic contacts aimed at easing tensions. Trump did not provide additional details about the channel through which the message was delivered or which Iranian officials were involved. The White House has not released further information about the exchange. No immediate response from Iranian authorities was confirmed. The remarks come as the United States and Iran remain at odds over several regional issues, including Iran's nuclear program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East. Iran has previously called for a halt to Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Gaza, though Trump's comments did not specify the target of the alleged Iranian request.