WASHINGTON (SRN NEWS) – After nearly two weeks of escalating military confrontation, the United States and Iran have now paused their attacks for a second consecutive day, as President Donald Trump’s administration continues pursuing negotiations aimed at restoring a fragile interim ceasefire agreement.
The conflict erupted after Iran targeted vessels attempting to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s energy supply moves each day. In response, U.S. forces launched strikes against Iranian coastal facilities and infrastructure designed to protect international shipping and American interests in the region.
The Pentagon has not explained the current operational pause, but U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the Trump administration is deliberately allowing diplomatic efforts an opportunity to succeed.
Speaking on Fox News, Waltz said President Trump is “giving talks some space” while negotiators from Oman, Iran, and other regional partners continue discussions at multiple levels.
Despite concerns raised by some analysts about the sustainability of the military campaign, Waltz rejected suggestions that America is running short of missile interceptors used to defend against Iranian attacks.
Iranian officials say Tehran has also halted strikes during the past two nights. Earlier in the conflict, Iranian retaliation against countries hosting U.S. forces reportedly killed several American service members in Jordan and Iraq, underscoring the dangers facing U.S. personnel throughout the Middle East.
Regional mediators describe the pause as an encouraging sign. Diplomats are reportedly working to revive terms of a 60-day interim agreement signed in June. Negotiations are focused on reducing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping traffic has dropped to a three-week low amid fears of further attacks.
The disruption has renewed concerns about global energy supplies and rising gasoline prices. The threat has expanded beyond Hormuz as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned of possible action near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical maritime chokepoint.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military says its naval blockade and maritime security operations remain in effect. American forces continue monitoring commercial traffic and maintaining pressure on Tehran while diplomacy proceeds.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Trump in Washington this week. Netanyahu said he fully supports Trump’s efforts to weaken Iran and force an end to its nuclear ambitions.
“If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that’s fine,” Netanyahu said. But he also issued a warning, stating that any future Iranian attack against Israel, whether directly or through proxy forces, would bring serious consequences.
For now, the guns are temporarily silent. Whether diplomacy can deliver lasting security-and prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear goals-remains the central question facing the region.
PHOTO- Two men wade in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz with vessels anchored in the background, off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Sunday, July 12, 2026. (Razieh Poudat/ISNA via AP)
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