Announcement
U.S. President Donald Trump directed the American military to cease new air strikes against Iran on Friday, ending a nearly two‑week streak of daily attacks, according to Axios.
Diplomatic Context
The pause coincided with the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran to negotiate a naval framework aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Regional sources told Axios that progress had been made and a draft agreement could be finalised over the weekend, leaving the United States to decide whether to accept the proposal.
Statements from the United States
At a White House briefing Trump said, “We’re talking to the Iranians right now… we’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them,” emphasizing a preference for a negotiated settlement over further escalation. He later added at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner that while Tehran may not be ready to sign immediately, he remains “willing to listen.”
Iranian Reaction
An IRGC spokesperson on Iranian state broadcaster IRIB warned that Britain and Gulf nations that support U.S. actions would become “definite and legitimate targets,” and claimed American bombers had used British airfields for operations.
Israeli Response
Israel’s security cabinet and the Israel Defense Forces had prepared for another wave of U.S. bombings and possible Iranian retaliation, but were informed late Friday night that the strikes had been suspended.
Military Preparedness
Sources told Axios that U.S. strikes have reached the ceiling of their operational effectiveness short of a full‑scale combat operation, and that plans for a broader campaign remain prepared despite no explicit orders to execute them.
Energy Market Impact
Brent crude briefly touched $100 a barrel earlier in the week before retracing gains. Barclays analysts warned that a three‑month disruption to Persian Gulf shipping could push spot prices toward $150 a barrel, heightening global inflation pressures.
Shipping Disruptions
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly one‑fifth of global energy supplies, remains heavily restricted. U.S. forces recently disabled a tanker that attempted to breach the maritime blockade after ignoring repeated warnings.
Wider Regional Tensions
The diplomatic opening occurs amid ongoing fighting in Gaza and Lebanon, and renewed Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, prompting security alerts in Saudi Arabia.