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🇶🇦 Qatar /Conflict & Security

US and Iran hit pause on strikes for second day

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The United States and Iran have paused military strikes for a second consecutive day, following two weeks of escalating conflict.
  • Reports suggest renewed diplomatic efforts are underway, with an Omani delegation arriving in Tehran and US officials indicating a willingness for talks.
  • Both nations have halted retaliatory operations, though Iran warns of wider conflict if US attacks continue, while US Central Command maintains its naval blockade.

A fragile calm has settled over the Persian Gulf, with both the United States and Iran refraining from launching strikes for a second day. This pause follows two weeks of escalating hostilities, marked by nightly attacks on Iran by the U.S. and subsequent retaliation against U.S. allies in the region.

The period of quiet has fueled hopes for a return to diplomacy. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz indicated that President Donald Trump is "giving [the potential for] talks… a little bit of room," despite the U.S. being "locked and loaded." Negotiators have reportedly been engaged at all levels over recent weeks.

Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory. We have also halted our retaliatory operations.

— Mohammad AkraminiaIranian army spokesman explaining the country's decision to halt strikes.

U.S. broadcaster CBS, citing regional sources, reported that the decision to pause bombings was influenced by the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran. The New York Times suggested Trump also paused escalation plans due to concerns about dwindling U.S. missile interceptor and air defense munitions in the Middle East.

giving [the potential for] talks … a little bit of room

— Mike WaltzU.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on President Trump's stance regarding potential negotiations.

Iran's army has also announced a halt to its strikes. "Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory. We have also halted our retaliatory operations," stated Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia. However, Iran maintained a firm stance, warning that the conflict could widen if U.S. attacks persist. Pakistani and Qatari mediators are reportedly intensifying communications between the two sides.

Meanwhile, "technical and political consultations" are ongoing regarding maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil export route. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson described talks with the Omani delegation about managing traffic in the strait as "useful and progress was made." Despite these diplomatic overtures, the U.S. military's Central Command confirmed its naval blockade of Iran "remains in full effect," having redirected or disabled commercial vessels attempting to transit the waterway.

useful and progress was made

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson on talks with an Omani delegation regarding maritime traffic.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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