As US Halts Strikes, Iran Also Stops Retaliatory Operations
After the United States paused its attacks on Iran, Tehran announced it would also cease its retaliatory operations, while warning that war will expand further if Washington resumes the strikes.
Iran's military spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said on Sunday that since the US has stopped its attacks, Iran has also halted its retaliatory operations. He noted that American strikes ceased two nights ago, and as Iran's strategy is fundamentally retaliatory, it too has stopped its operations.
CNN reported on Saturday, citing a Pentagon source, that US operations against Iran have been halted. The New York Times reported that plans for escalation have been postponed partly due to depleted weapons reserves. It also noted that Trump must consider risks of a wider war in the Middle East, alienation of Gulf allies, and new economic turmoil.
Axios reported that the Pentagon presented Trump with a plan for a 14th consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran on Friday, but the president declined to approve it, preferring negotiations.
The Iranian army warned on Sunday that the war would expand further if the US decides to resume attacks. Meanwhile, Tehran residents experienced a normal morning with heavy traffic jams, intense heat, and open shops and restaurants.
