The United States has suspended military strikes on Iran for a second consecutive night as diplomatic negotiations aimed at averting a broader conflict continue.
President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing both diplomatic and military options in the nearly five-month-old standoff, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled to visit the White House soon. Netanyahu, a staunch opponent of the US-Iran talks, faces political pressure to demonstrate tangible results from his military actions against Iran and Hezbollah before October elections.
On Sunday, Iran announced a pause in its "retaliatory" attacks against US allies in the region. Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated, "These [US] attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks. Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations."
Within the US administration, concerns have been raised about diminishing munitions supplies that could limit prolonged military engagement. When asked about potential further strikes, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said, "I wouldn’t go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table."
This pause follows nearly two weeks of US strikes targeting Iran and the collapse of a ceasefire previously brokered by Trump. The US holds Iran responsible for attacks on American forces and allies, as well as for closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for about 20% of global oil and gas shipments.
Meanwhile, senior diplomats from Iran and Oman are reportedly engaged in talks to reopen the strait. An official in Tehran confirmed communication with US negotiators aimed at preventing escalation. Iran demands compensation and control over vessel passage through the waterway.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, "Mediators are working and trying to prevent tension from escalating." However, an Iranian army spokesperson conveyed defiance, accusing the US of lacking a clear strategy and suffering from "strategic decision-making fatigue."
