The New York Times says President Trump authorised a series of strikes targeting Iranian radar sites and missile batteries. A “senior administration official” speaking to the paper claimed the order was given to suspend the mission before any missiles were fired. The attack would have been in retaliation for Iran shooting down an American surveillance drone with a surface-to-air missile on Thursday morning.
According to the article military officials still expected the attack to go ahead as late as 7.00ET (12am BST).
The publication adds that in addition to the combat jets in the sky US warships had moved into position to prepare for the strike.
The attack would have taken place during the night, to minimise the risk of Iranian military or civilian casualties.
Any American military strike, even a limited one, would risk Iranian retaliation and regional war.
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Iran’s regional allies, such as the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, could also become embroiled in the conflict.
A $130,000 (£102,000) US military drone was shot down on Thursday, with Iran claiming it had entered Iranian airspace.
However President Trump denied this commenting: “This drone was in international waters, clearly.
“We have it all documented. It’s documented scientifically, not just words.”
Tensions in the region soared following a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
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The US blamed Iran for the attacks, which it strongly denies.
Senior Democrats have called for calm, and urged President Trump to get congressional approval for any military action.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “This is a dangerous situation.
“We are dealing with a country that is a bad actor in the region.”