Iran and US hold fire after weeks of strikes, diplomatic window opens
Iran and the United States observed a pause in hostilities over the weekend, offering temporary relief to Gulf shipping and oil markets after weeks of sustained military action. Iran announced it had halted retaliatory strikes against US allies in the Middle East, while US President Donald Trump's envoy to the United Nations indicated that Washington was creating room for negotiations.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told Fox News on Sunday that American forces remained 'locked and loaded' but that Trump would give talks 'a little bit of room.' The remarks came after two consecutive nights without US bombing raids on Iranian positions, breaking a cycle of 13 consecutive nights of strikes that had marked the most intense phase of the conflict since a ceasefire in April.
Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, confirmed the lull in US attacks. 'These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks,' he said. Iran stated it had suspended its own retaliatory operations against US allies in the region, though no details on the nature of those operations were provided.
The relative calm follows escalating tensions that had threatened to disrupt global oil supplies and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil tankers. Earlier reports indicated progress in Omani-mediated talks between Iran and the US regarding management of the strait, though no formal agreement has been announced.
Analysts caution that the pause may be temporary, as both sides maintain a posture of readiness. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels reportedly open but no confirmed date for renewed negotiations.
