*New York Times: Trump Delays Strikes Over Fear of Iranian Air Defenses*
US-Iran Conflicts - Kabul Times News | 2026-05-19
Report; Sami Jahesh
The New York Times reported, citing Pentagon officials, that Donald Trump has refrained from carrying out further strikes in part because of warnings about Iran’s adaptation to air combat.
According to the report, Iranian commanders had studied the flight patterns of American fighter jets – possibly with Russian help – which made American operations more predictable and Iranian air defenses more effective.
The downing of an F-15E and damage to an F-35 are signs of an increased risk to American aircraft.
The New York Times also reported that Iran has used the month-long ceasefire with the United States to rebuild dozens of its missile sites, relocate mobile missile launchers and adapt its tactics for any resumption of attacks. Yesterday, the US president had also said he would launch new attacks against Iran, but he has called off the attack thanks to the mediation of the United Arab Emirates.
*New York Times: Trump Delays Strikes Over Fear of Iranian Air Defenses*
