Iran offers to halt attacks if U.S. maintains airstrike pause

Iran has signaled a potential de-escalation, stating it will cease its attacks provided the United States maintains its current pause in airstrikes. This conditional offer comes after nearly two weeks of intense clashes that heightened the risk of a regional escalation.

A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, conveyed that Iran's stance remains "attack for attack." The message has reportedly been transmitted to U.S. authorities, though skepticism persists in Tehran regarding Washington's true intentions. The U.S. pause in bombings, ordered by President Donald Trump late Friday, has not been followed by new air operations from Washington, and Tehran has also halted retaliatory actions against neighboring countries hosting U.S. bases.

From the White House, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that the pause is intended to "give a breather to negotiations" and provide "a little bit of margin." However, he did not detail any potential progress in bilateral contacts. U.S. media reports suggest Trump's decision was influenced by recommendations from military leaders and civilian advisors who warned of the risks associated with intensifying the conflict.

Concerns cited include the strain on Patriot missile defense systems, crucial for protecting U.S. bases in the region. Reports indicate that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, and Vice President JD Vance expressed reservations about further escalation. Additionally, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Admiral Brad Cooper, reportedly cautioned that the air campaign was reaching its limits of effectiveness.

The recent hostilities disrupted a provisional agreement reached last month aimed at fostering negotiations toward a lasting solution. Although a ceasefire in April had reduced combat, tensions resurfaced around control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil passed before the conflict. The conflict has also impacted the global economy, with Brent crude prices surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since May due to fears of energy supply disruptions.