On Sunday, Iran endured another night without US airstrikes as Washington halted operations in a conflict approaching its fifth month, amid reports that dwindling munitions are curbing any plans for further escalation.
The pause has rekindled hopes for renewed negotiations after almost two weeks of nightly US strikes, though US outlets suggest the hiatus may also stem from straining supplies of Patriot interceptors and other defensive arms.
Clashes over the strategic Strait of Hormuz derailed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, but the fighting soon spread past the vital energy chokepoint to target US installations, regional shipping lanes and Gulf partners.
CNN, citing an unnamed Pentagon official, reported that US operations against Iran remained “on hold,” even as President Donald Trump warned of a potential “much higher level” of strikes on Friday.
The New York Times, citing two sources familiar with the situation, said that plans to escalate the campaign have been postponed partly due to dwindling munitions.
The newspaper added that Trump also risks provoking a broader Middle East war, alienating vulnerable Gulf allies, and delivering additional shocks to the global economy.
Vice President JD Vance and General Dan Caine, the nation’s top military officer, both voiced concerns about further escalation during a Friday White House meeting, according to CNN.
Caine assured Trump that the military could execute the available options effectively, but cautioned about the potential repercussions, the network reported.
– ‘Much higher level’ –
On Friday, Trump said he had not yet decided whether to resume a full‑scale operation.
“We’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious,” he told reporters.
Trump said Iran must choose between negotiating a deal or facing strikes at a “much higher level.”
The conflict, which Trump initially forecast would last only four or five weeks, is now approaching its fifth month and is affecting his approval ratings ahead of the pivotal November midterm elections.
Axios reported that the Pentagon had proposed a 14th night of strikes, but Trump declined to authorize it, opting instead to pursue diplomatic talks.
– New front –
Meanwhile, the fighting has opened a new front.
Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said they hit Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu on Saturday, a day after Riyadh launched strikes against Houthi positions.
A Greek‑operated surface‑to‑air battery in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles and a drone over Yanbu, according to the Greek air force’s media office.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it had halted four vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz within a 24‑hour period.
Tehran’s effective blockade of the waterway continues to be the primary flashpoint between Washington and Tehran.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran should not bear responsibility for the escalation and offered to mediate talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, asserting that “there is no military solution.”
