The United States has paused retaliatory strikes against Iran for two consecutive nights, a move intended to create an opening for diplomatic negotiations, according to US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. This pause follows nearly two weeks of escalating daily strikes and counter-attacks that have strained a ceasefire agreement initially struck in June.
Waltz stated on Fox News Sunday that President Donald Trump is "giving talks some space, he's giving it a little bit of room." An Iranian army spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that Tehran had also halted its "retaliatory" actions in the region.
Despite the de-escalation, Waltz cautioned against assuming a complete cessation of hostilities, telling NBC, "I wouldn't go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table." He also refuted reports suggesting the US military's ability to conduct operations was hampered by dwindling air defense munitions, asserting that the military "has everything that it needs to conduct this campaign as effectively as it needs to be."
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have engaged in technical discussions regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. These talks, held on Friday and Saturday in Tehran, are crucial as disputes over the strait's control have recently intensified US-Iran tensions and remain a significant obstacle to permanently ending the ongoing conflict.
The initial memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US in June aimed to halt military operations, reopen the strait, and reach a broader agreement to end the war within 60 days. However, these efforts were disrupted after Iranian forces attacked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 13, prompting the US to resume airstrikes and reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran's retaliation involved attacks on US military facilities and bases across the Middle East, resulting in the deaths of four American soldiers. Iran's health ministry reports that the subsequent US strikes have led to dozens of casualties.
In the United Kingdom, new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is scheduled to meet with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth this week to discuss the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global transit route for oil, liquefied natural gas, and other essential commodities. Streeting emphasized alignment on securing maritime freedom and commercial shipping in the strait in comments to the BBC.
The renewed fighting has had an impact on global energy markets, with oil prices reaching $100 a barrel for the first time since May. As the conflict nears its fifth month, public sentiment in the US appears largely unfavorable, with a recent CBS/YouGov poll indicating that 57% of Americans are frustrated by the war, while only 19% express optimism. Official figures indicate thousands have been killed across the Middle East since the US-Iran conflict began in February, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Iran and Lebanon.
President Trump is slated to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday.