Iran halts retaliatory strikes on Gulf allies as U.S. pauses attacks

Iran's military has declared it will suspend retaliatory strikes on U.S. allies in the Gulf, provided President Donald Trump refrains from attacking Iranian territory. This announcement follows a period of intense exchanges, with both countries ceasing military operations since Saturday, the first time in 13 days.

“

These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks. Since… our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.

The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, indicated on Fox News that President Trump is exploring diplomatic avenues, stating the president is "giving talks some space; he’s giving it a little bit of room." In response, Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, confirmed that Iran would also halt its operations, which had primarily targeted Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan over the past two weeks. "Since… our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations," Akraminia said.

“

Our position remains 'attack for attack': if the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. That message has already been conveyed to the United States.

An Iranian official, quoted by Reuters, reiterated Tehran's stance: "attack for attack." The message conveyed is clear: if the attacks stop, Iran will halt its operations. Tensions between the two nations had escalated earlier in the month over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been a focal point of conflict since February. Although military operations were halted and the strait was agreed to be reopened in mid-June, Iran's attack on tankers in Hormuz and subsequent U.S. retaliatory strikes in early July reignited the dispute.

“

He’s giving talks some space; he’s giving it a little bit of room.

Despite the current de-escalation, the situation remains tense. When asked if President Trump had definitively ruled out further escalation, Waltz cautioned, "I wouldn’t go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table." The Iranian foreign ministry had previously disclosed that discussions regarding the waterway's management took place on Friday and Saturday, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts alongside the military standoff.

“

I wouldn’t go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table.