US and Iran Halt Strikes, Signal Openness to Diplomacy

The US envoy to the UN announced that President Donald Trump has halted attacks on Iran to give more time for diplomacy. This was confirmed by US official Mike Walz, who told Fox News that the president is giving an opportunity for talks. On the other side, Iran has also reported halting retaliatory strikes against US-friendly countries in the Persian Gulf.

The pause follows nearly two weeks of US strikes on Iranian targets and corresponding retaliation by Tehran. When asked if Trump is backing down from escalation, Walz told NBC that cannot be said, and all options remain open. He also denied a New York Times report about declining aviation munitions stockpiles, emphasizing the US has everything needed.

Trump has not publicly commented on recent developments. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have held several rounds of technical talks in Tehran to discuss management of the Strait of Hormuz. Disputes over control of the strait reignited hostilities in July. In June, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to pause military operations and open the strait to traffic, but on July 13 Iranian forces attacked tankers, prompting the US to resume strikes and reimpose a naval blockade. Iran responded with attacks on US military facilities, killing four American soldiers. According to Iran's Health Ministry, dozens have been killed in US strikes.

The conflict, now in its fifth month, is highly unpopular among the US population: 57% are dissatisfied, and only 19% are positive about a possible outcome.