US pauses strikes in Iran for a second consecutive night as diplomatic negotiations to prevent all-out war continued Sunday. Donald Trump is weighing military and diplomatic options in the five-month conflict.
The lull began Friday evening after nearly two weeks of strikes. Washington blamed Iran for attacks on US forces and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Reviews Options At White House
Senior officials warned Trump about dwindling munitions stockpiles. Patriot interceptors and Tomahawk missiles are reportedly running low after sustained operations.
Vice-President JD Vance and Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine met Trump Friday. They urged caution over a renewed campaign against Iran.
Trump then ordered the military to call off new strikes. He told reporters the US is “locked and loaded” but prefers talks for now.
Iran Signals Retaliatory Pause
Tehran said Sunday it would halt “retaliatory” attacks on US allies. Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia confirmed operations stopped over the past two nights.
“Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory,” Akraminia said. “We have also halted our retaliatory operations.”
Iranian officials described the pause as temporary. They warned strikes could resume if negotiations fail.
Hormuz Talks Continue In Oman
Senior diplomats from Iran and Oman met Sunday. The focus was reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas corridor.
Iran has demanded payment and control over ship passage. About 20% of the world’s oil and gas transits the strait.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said mediators are “trying to prevent tension from escalating.” US negotiators are reportedly in contact with Tehran.
Netanyahu Prepares Washington Visit
Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet before flying to Washington Monday. He is expected at the White House Tuesday.
Netanyahu has pressured Trump for a hard line on Iran’s nuclear program. He played a key role in joint strikes in February.
The Israeli prime minister faces political pressure ahead of October elections. He wants to show results against Iran and Hezbollah.
Munitions Shortages Shape Strategy
Caine warned Trump that stockpiles cannot sustain another long campaign. The warning reflects months of high-tempo operations across the region.
The Pentagon has not confirmed casualty figures. Critics accuse officials of a cover-up over US losses in recent Iranian attacks.
Vance, who opposed Middle East interventions, has grown more vocal. He argues diplomacy is the only viable path forward.
“Strategic Decision-Making Fatigue”
An Iranian army spokesperson accused Washington of confusion. He said the US has “no clear strategy” and is experiencing “decision-making fatigue.”
Tehran insists its actions are defensive. Officials say they will not negotiate under military pressure.
The rhetoric suggests both sides are testing each other’s limits while talking.
West Bank Violence Complicates Timing
Netanyahu arrives in Washington amid West Bank unrest. Israeli forces launched an “extensive” operation after a deadly settler incident.
Four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed Thursday. Armed settlers entered a Palestinian village near Nablus, triggering clashes.
The timing complicates Netanyahu’s message. He must balance Gaza, Iran, and domestic security in talks with Trump.
Trump Sends Mixed Signals
At a White House dinner Friday, Trump said he doubted Iran was ready to deal. He added he was “ready to listen” anyway.
“We’re talking to [the Iranians] right now,” he told reporters. “I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by.”
The president has alternated between threats and diplomacy for weeks. His approach keeps both allies and adversaries guessing.
Regional Allies Watch Closely
Saudi Arabia and the UAE monitor Hormuz negotiations closely. Any disruption threatens their oil exports and regional stability.
The Houthis claimed a missile attack on Saudi Arabia this week. Regional tensions remain high despite the current pause.
US bases across the Gulf remain on alert. Commanders say readiness is high even as strikes are paused.
What Diplomats Want Next
Oman is pushing for a maritime security agreement. It would allow supervised passage through Hormuz without Iranian interference.
Iran wants sanctions relief in exchange. Washington has not offered concessions yet, focusing instead on de-escalation first.
Both sides acknowledge the risk of miscalculation. One misstep could restart the bombing campaign within hours.
Military Leaders Urge Restraint
The Pentagon briefed Trump on logistics. Officials said resupply would take months and cost billions.
Lawmakers are divided. Some demand stronger action, others warn against another endless Middle East war.
Vance echoed the latter view. He said the US must avoid being dragged into a wider conflict.
Public Pressure Builds
Americans are weary of Middle East wars. Polls show support for diplomacy over new strikes.
Families of deployed troops have protested outside the White House. They demand clarity on mission objectives and exit plans.
Trump faces a political test. He must show strength without triggering a larger war before midterms.
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Israel Links Iran To Regional Attacks
Israeli officials blame Iran for arming proxies. They cite recent attacks by Hezbollah and Houthi forces.
Netanyahu will argue that talks must include Iran’s missile program. He fears any deal that ignores it.
US negotiators disagree. They prioritize reopening Hormuz and protecting US forces over nuclear issues for now.
The Path Ahead
Negotiations will continue this week in Muscat. Both sides have teams on standby for emergency calls.
Trump said he hopes for progress but is prepared for failure. “We’re locked and loaded,” he repeated Sunday.
The world watches closely. With munitions low and tensions high, US pauses strikes Iran may be the last chance for peace.
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