Trump Halts Iran Airstrikes Amid Diplomatic Push

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a halt to new airstrikes against Iran, ending a 13-day sequence of military actions. This decision comes amid reports of diplomatic progress, specifically concerning negotiations between Oman and Iran aimed at resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The pause in military operations was confirmed as Trump reportedly did not approve a planned airstrike on June 24, instructing the military to cease further attacks. U.S. Central Command, which had been publicly reporting daily airstrikes, made no announcements for June 24 and 25, although it remains unclear if this was due to a complete absence of military activity.

Trump stated that while options for continued attacks or significant destruction of Iranian facilities exist, engaging in dialogue with Iran is a "wiser strategy." He indicated that Iran is becoming more serious about negotiations, expressing his own readiness to listen. This diplomatic overture was made shortly after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss maritime passage issues in the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump in Washington on June 28. This meeting, the first between the two leaders since the conflict began and the first in-person meeting since February, is viewed as a crucial moment that could determine whether the conflict escalates further. Israeli officials had reportedly been anticipating further U.S. strikes and were preparing for a potential large-scale attack that could provoke Iranian retaliation, indicating a lack of full clarity on the U.S. strategy.

Despite the halt in airstrikes, the situation remains tense. Trump has not ruled out resuming a "full-scale war" if U.S. demands are not met. Furthermore, U.S. long-range bombers and refueling aircraft have been placed on high alert, and naval assets are positioned in the Arabian Sea, prepared for potential Tomahawk missile strikes and maritime blockade missions. Iran, for its part, has denied becoming more serious about negotiations and has expressed a willingness to engage U.S. ground forces, framing the conflict as a "war of attrition."