US pauses Iran attacks after Trump advised to halt bombing

What Happened

The US paused strikes on Iran for a third consecutive night after top military officials advised President Trump to halt the bombing campaign. Admiral Bradley Cooper, the top US military commander in the region, reportedly told Trump the operation had reached the limits of its effectiveness and that the list of targets was nearly exhausted, while Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine warned of dwindling munitions stockpiles, including Patriot missiles and Tomahawks. Iran’s army spokesperson, Mohammad Akraminia, announced a reciprocal pause in what he called 'retaliatory' attacks against US allies, stating, 'Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.' Senior diplomats from Iran and Oman are negotiating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran demanding payment and control over ship passage. US officials confirmed contacts with Iranian counterparts, while UN Ambassador Mike Waltz said Trump is 'keeping all options on the table.' The lull follows nearly two weeks of strikes and the collapse of a US-brokered ceasefire, which Washington blamed on Iran for attacks on US forces and the strait closure.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The pause marks a potential de-escalation in a conflict that has threatened global energy supplies via the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil and gas transits. It reveals internal US military skepticism about a prolonged bombing campaign and highlights the tension between diplomatic outreach and Israeli demands for continued military pressure on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Watch For

Netanyahu’s White House visit on Tuesday, which may influence Trump’s stance; the outcome of US-UK coalition talks in London this week on protecting and de-mining the Strait of Hormuz; further diplomatic signals from the Oman-mediated backchannel; and potential resumption of strikes if negotiations stall. Also monitor escalating West Bank violence as Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet before the trip.