The United States paused military strikes on Iran for a second night as diplomatic negotiations aimed at averting all-out war continued, according to reports from regional and international officials. The lull in fighting, which began on Friday evening, follows nearly two weeks of strikes against Iran and the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Washington blamed Tehran for strikes on American forces and regional allies, as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor carrying an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
Diplomatic Efforts and Strait of Hormuz Negotiations
Senior diplomats from Iran and Oman held discussions on Sunday focused on reopening the vital waterway. According to an official in Tehran, Iranian counterparts have maintained direct contact with US negotiators to prevent a return to war. Iran has demanded payment and control over vessel transit through the strait. “Mediators are working and trying to prevent tension from escalating,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told a press conference on Sunday. Despite the talks, Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia struck a defiant tone, stating that the US lacked a clear strategy and was experiencing “strategic decision-making fatigue.”
Tehran’s Stance on Retaliatory Operations
Iranian military officials confirmed the temporary halt in hostilities on Sunday. “These [US] attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks,” Akraminia said. “Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.” The suspension of American strikes follows nearly two weeks of strikes against Iran.
Did you know?
The Strait of Hormuz is a conduit for an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and gas, making it one of the most strategically vital chokepoints in global energy shipping.
Washington’s Internal Debates and Munitions Concerns
Inside the Trump administration, senior officials raised alarms regarding dwindling munitions stockpiles that could hamper a sustained military campaign. US Vice President JD Vance and Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed Trump during an Oval Office meeting on Friday regarding the risks of a renewed military campaign against Iran. Caine specifically warned about dwindling munitions stockpiles, which include Patriot missile interceptors and offensive weapons like Tomahawk cruise missiles. Following the briefing, Trump ordered the military to call off new strikes after previously warning that American forces could “knock out everything they have.” Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump noted, “We’re talking to [the Iranians] right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by. We’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them.” Later that evening at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, he added that while he did not think Iran was ready to make a deal, he was ready to listen.
Netanyahu’s Upcoming White House Visit and Regional Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday amid mounting political pressure. Netanyahu faces domestic demands to show that his military campaigns against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon have yielded results ahead of elections scheduled for October. Netanyahu’s office announced on Sunday that he would convene a meeting of his security cabinet prior to his departure for Washington on Monday. A vocal critic of Washington’s negotiations with Iranian leaders, Netanyahu played a crucial role in lobbying Trump to launch joint strikes against Iran in February. He maintains that US negotiators must take a strong line on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme, whereas Washington has prioritised opening the Strait of Hormuz. The Israeli leader’s visit coincides with some of the worst violence this year in the West Bank, where Israeli forces launched an “extensive” operation following the deaths of four Palestinians and two Israelis after armed settlers entered a Palestinian village on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US pause strikes on Iran?
The US paused strikes following internal warnings from Vice President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine regarding dwindling munitions stockpiles, alongside ongoing diplomatic negotiations mediated by Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent a return to war.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in this conflict?
The Strait of Hormuz is a conduit for an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and gas. Its closure by Iran disrupted global energy transit and served as a primary catalyst for the recent military escalation.
When is Benjamin Netanyahu visiting Washington?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House on Tuesday, following a security cabinet meeting in Israel.
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