Iran and the United States have paused military attacks, raising fresh hopes that diplomatic talks could resume after weeks of escalating conflict.
Iran’s army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, said the country suspended its retaliatory operations after the United States stopped carrying out strikes for two consecutive nights.
“These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks,” Akraminia said.
He added, “Since… our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.”
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump was allowing diplomacy to continue while American forces remained prepared if needed.
Waltz told Fox News, “I want to be crystal clear.
The US military — and I’ve verified this every which way — has everything that it needs to conduct this campaign as effectively as it needs to be.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday, backed efforts to stop Iran’s nuclear programme through diplomacy if possible.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said, “If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that’s fine. Why not? But one way or the other, they have to end their nuclear programme, and with a deal or without a deal, that has to come to an end.”
Trump also confirmed that discussions with Iran were ongoing, saying, “We’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious.”
Although the temporary pause has eased tensions across the Gulf, fresh security concerns remain after Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed attacks on Saudi targets and the downing of a Saudi drone in Yemen.
