Trump Pauses Iran Strikes Amid Munitions Limits And Talks

The United States has paused its bombing campaign against Iran for a third night, following recommendations from top military officials and as diplomatic negotiations continue to avert a return to full-scale conflict, according to The Guardian. The lull in fighting began on Friday evening after nearly two weeks of intensifying US airstrikes and the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. Oil prices fell on Monday in response to the temporary halt in combat operations.

US Military Pauses Iran Strikes Amid Munitions Limits and Ongoing Diplomacy

Senior officials in the Trump administration advised the president that dwindling munitions stockpiles could hinder a sustained military campaign in the region. According to reporting from Axios, Adm. Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the Middle East and head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), recommended halting the bombing around the Strait of Hormuz because the campaign had reached the limit of its effectiveness. Cooper informed the Pentagon, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the White House that the two weeks of strikes had significantly degraded Iran’s ability to attack ships, and that the US had nearly exhausted its list of developed targets in Iran.

A woman walks past an anti-U.S. billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran — Photo: Reuters

Strategic Warnings and Regional Responses

In addition to munitions concerns, Gen. Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump in private that a shortage of air defense interceptors could jeopardize the safety of US forces and allies in the region. Vice President JD Vance, who campaigned against Middle East interventions, also raised concerns about escalating the war.

Trump Pauses US Strikes on Iran as Mike Waltz Says Talks Get Room — Photo: Newscord

Iran’s army spokesperson, Mohammad Akraminia, stated that Tehran had paused its own “retaliatory” attacks against US allies in the region for the past two nights. Akraminia noted that US attacks had continued until two nights prior before stopping. However, Akraminia warned state television that if Washington continues its military campaign, the war geographically this will expand further, criticizing the US for experiencing strategic decision-making fatigue. Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson, noted that mediators are actively working to prevent further escalation.

Diplomatic Efforts and the Strait of Hormuz

Diplomatic talks are proceeding alongside the military pause. Iran and Oman held technical talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday to discuss the management and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed as the US continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated on NBC’s Meet the Press that while President Trump is keeping all options on the table, he is also giving talks room to progress, confirming that discussions between the US and Iran are ongoing at every level.

Trump Signals Pause on Iran Power Network Strikes During Negotiations | Dawn News English

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House. Netanyahu, a vocal critic of Washington’s negotiations with Iranian leaders, pressed for the US to continue its military strikes. Netanyahu faces political pressure to demonstrate results from his military campaigns against Iran and Hezbollah prior to scheduled elections in October. White House communications director Steven Cheung argued that Trump prefers a diplomatic solution while maintaining military options, stating that it would be wise for Iran to work toward a negotiated deal.

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