Iran has suspended its retaliatory military operations against United States allies in the Middle East after Washington paused its recent air campaign, raising hopes that renewed diplomatic efforts could help ease months of escalating tensions.
The development offers temporary relief for Gulf shipping and global oil markets after weeks of military exchanges that threatened regional stability.
Iranian Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran halted its retaliatory attacks after the United States stopped conducting overnight strikes.
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He said Iran’s military strategy had been based on responding to U.S. attacks and that the suspension reflected the latest pause in hostilities.
The White House also indicated that President Donald Trump is giving diplomacy another opportunity.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said American forces remain fully prepared but that the administration is allowing negotiations to continue.
He also rejected reports that the pause resulted from shortages of U.S. military equipment, insisting the armed forces remain fully capable of sustaining operations if necessary.
President Trump said talks with Iran were ongoing and expressed optimism that negotiations were making progress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is expected to meet Trump this week, reiterated that Israel supports diplomatic efforts only if they lead to the complete end of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear activities are for peaceful civilian purposes.
Despite the lull, regional tensions remain elevated.
Reports emerged that an oil tanker may have been damaged in the Gulf, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for downing a Saudi drone and attacking Saudi oil facilities following recent Saudi airstrikes in Yemen.
Although the pause has revived hopes for negotiations, military forces across the region remain on high alert as diplomatic efforts continue.
