Iran will suspend its military operations as long as the United States refrains from launching further air strikes, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, signalling that the current lull could continue if Washington maintains its pause.
The development follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to halt a two-week bombing campaign against Iran. After 13 consecutive nights of strikes, the United States has now gone two days without carrying out new attacks.
Iran, which responded to previous waves of U.S. strikes by targeting neighbouring countries hosting American military bases, has also refrained from launching retaliatory operations during the same period.
According to the Iranian official, Tehran continues to follow an “attack for attack” approach. Any resumption of U.S. military action could therefore trigger a broad Iranian response.
CBS News reported that the U.S. bombing pause came after Omani officials travelled to Tehran on Friday for talks. Oman has played a key intermediary role between Washington and Tehran as efforts continue to prevent a wider regional conflict.
Washington has presented the pause as an opportunity for diplomacy. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump wanted to give negotiations a chance, although he provided no further details about the discussions.
Iranian officials, however, remain sceptical and reportedly view the suspension as a possible tactical move rather than evidence of a lasting shift in U.S. policy.
Separate reports from The New York Times, CNN and Axios indicated that Trump halted planned strikes after advisers raised concerns about U.S. missile defence stockpiles and the risks of further escalation.
Despite the temporary pause, regional tensions remain elevated. The Houthis have expanded their attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, while energy markets continue to respond to uncertainty surrounding the conflict and the possibility of renewed hostilities.
