Mediators asked Trump for additional time before any potential strike on Iran, and CENTCOM's preparations are ongoing, awaiting Trump's decision on Iran, reports Al Arabiya citing sources

Episodes of this kind, where a strike is framed as an active option while diplomatic channels remain open, have historically resolved through one of two sequences: either the pause becomes a genuine negotiating window and risk premia bleed out, or the preparation completes and the operation proceeds once the window closes, with the build-up phase itself the longest part of the cycle. The relevant transmission is the crude complex, with the front of the oil curve, freight and insurance costs, and regional producer differentials carrying the risk premium, and precious metals picking up the broader haven bid. The actors' prior form matters here: mediators requesting time while military preparation continues in parallel is a familiar pattern in coercive diplomacy, and the note that a change of tone does not equal a breakthrough cuts against reading the delay as de-escalation. What is worth watching is whether additional mediators or counterparties echo the request, any visible force posture changes in the region, and official scheduling signals from Washington, since past episodes have tended to escalate on expiry of an implicit deadline rather than on announcement.