Article snippet: MORE softened his tone toward Iran on Wednesday, claiming Tehran is “standing down” and welcoming de-escalation after growing tensions between Washington and Tehran prompted concerns the two could be on the brink of war. Trump, in an address to the nation on Wednesday, made it clear he was looking for an off-ramp from further hostilities after missile strikes from Iran failed to kill or injure anyone at two Iraqi bases that house U.S. personnel and coalition forces. Instead, he said the administration would impose additional economic sanctions on Tehran, called on European allies to play a larger role in ensuring stability in the region, and appealed to Iranian leaders to work with the U.S. on “shared priorities.” “The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it,” Trump said in prepared remarks. For days, the world has been on edge, wondering how Iran would respond to a U.S. strike against a top Iranian general last week and what the Trump administration’s next moves would be. Trump met Tuesday night and Wednesday morning with a cadre of officials, including Vice President Pence, Secretary of State MORE and national security adviser Robert O’Brien, to discuss how to proceed. Recent bombastic rhetoric and stern warnings from Trump against targeting American assets gave way in Wednesday’s address to an opening for diplomacy, though similar efforts have been fruitless thus far, and the president said the administration would “continue to evaluate op... Link to the full article to read more