The Iranian military has announced a suspension of retaliatory strikes on United States allies in the Gulf, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, for as long as President Donald Trump refrains from attacking the country. This development follows a sudden halt in US military operations against Iran after 13 consecutive days of strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure in Tehran.
US Suspends Strikes Amid Diplomatic Reconsideration
According to reports, the US suspended its offensive on Saturday after more than two weeks of escalating exchanges. No strikes have been exchanged between the two nations since then, marking the first cessation in 13 days. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, told Fox News on Sunday that President Trump was reconsidering diplomatic negotiations, stating that the president was “giving talks some space; he’s giving it a little bit of room.”
The halt in US operations prompted a reciprocal response from Iran. Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia confirmed the suspension of Iranian attacks, which in the previous 13 days had primarily targeted the three US allies in the Gulf. “These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks,” Akraminia said. “Since… our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.”
Background: Strait of Hormuz Dispute Reignites Conflict
The tit-for-tat attacks resumed earlier this month due to a disagreement over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been central to the conflict since February. Both countries had previously halted military operations and agreed to reopen the strait in mid-June. However, tensions reignited in early July after Iran attacked tankers in Hormuz, prompting retaliatory US strikes. The war has since involved consistent aerial bombardments and missile exchanges, with the US targeting Iranian infrastructure and Iran striking US allies in the Gulf region.
A Reuters report quoted an Iranian official who reiterated Tehran’s stance: “Attack for attack: if the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. That message has already been conveyed to the United States.” This conditional position underscores the fragile nature of the current truce.
Diplomatic Talks and Continued Uncertainty
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei disclosed earlier that the country held several rounds of talks on Friday and Saturday to discuss the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions aimed to ease tensions over the waterway, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Despite the pause in hostilities, the US has not ruled out further escalation. When asked whether President Trump had completely decided against escalating the war, Ambassador Waltz stated, “I wouldn’t go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table.”
The current lull in fighting raises questions about the potential for a lasting ceasefire or a return to conflict. Analysts note that the mutual halt may provide a window for diplomatic negotiations, but the underlying dispute over the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved. Iran’s insistence on reciprocal action means any future US strike could trigger an immediate resumption of attacks on American allies in the region.
Impact on Regional Stability
The suspension of strikes offers temporary relief for Gulf states that have been caught in the crossfire. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan have repeatedly faced Iranian missile and drone attacks since the conflict escalated. The halt may also reduce disruptions to global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which have fluctuated amid the hostilities. However, the situation remains tense, as both nations maintain their military postures. Iran has emphasized that its retaliation policy is conditional, while the US continues to assert its right to respond to any hostile actions. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this pause evolves into a more permanent de-escalation or proves to be a brief interlude in a prolonged confrontation.
