The United States has temporarily halted its bombing campaign against Iran after 13 consecutive nights of airstrikes. The pause comes amid growing pressure to give diplomacy a chance, as well as concerns within the US military about the effectiveness and sustainability of continuing the attacks.
One reason for the pause is that the US military was reportedly running out of viable targets. American military advisers warned President Donald Trump that the campaign was approaching its effectiveness limit, with fewer important targets remaining and concerns about the use of US munitions and air-defence resources.
Trump also wants to give diplomatic efforts more time. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the president was giving diplomacy “some space” to work. The pause is intended to create an opportunity for negotiations between Washington and Tehran over a possible interim ceasefire.
Iran has also indicated that it will halt its own attacks as long as the US maintains its bombing pause. This has temporarily reduced the intensity of fighting after nearly two weeks of heavy strikes.
Another major issue is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments. The US campaign was partly aimed at challenging Iran’s control over the waterway. Iran, however, continues to insist that it controls the strait.
The pause does not necessarily mean the war is over. US officials have indicated that President Trump is keeping military options open while diplomatic efforts continue. Iran, meanwhile, has rejected reports that it is actively seeking renewed direct negotiations with Washington.