The United States and Iran have paused attacks after nearly two weeks of escalation, creating a limited opening for diplomacy while the Strait of Hormuz remains contested and shipping traffic has fallen sharply.
The pause followed 13 consecutive nights without reported U.S. Iran’s army said it had also halted retaliatory operations after Tehran launched attacks on countries hosting U.S. Forces, including Jordan and Iraq. Washington’s naval blockade of Iranian ports remained in place, with commercial vessels redirected, boarded or disabled after failing to comply with instructions.
Iran and Oman held technical and political consultations over the weekend on managing vessel movements through the strait. Iranian officials said the discussions had made progress but maintained that the waterway remained closed. The proposed arrangements involve competing approaches to navigation, including Iran’s demand to protect its sovereignty and security interests and a U.S. -backed route closer to Oman.
The wider conflict continued to threaten regional shipping. Houthi forces in Yemen threatened a blockade of Saudi shipping and reported attacks after Saudi airstrikes on Hodeida. Diplomatic efforts also expanded beyond Oman: Russia’s foreign minister visited Tehran, and Pakistan’s army chief was expected to travel there as Moscow and other mediators sought to prevent a return to large-scale war.