ISLAMABAD: The United States and Iran refrained from launching new strikes on Monday, easing tensions across the Gulf and offering a reprieve to global shipping and oil markets, as US President Donald Trump’s administration signalled it was allowing diplomacy a chance.
Iran said it had suspended retaliatory attacks against US allies in the Middle East, while US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Trump was “giving talks some space” despite American forces remaining “locked and loaded.”
The pause follows weeks of escalating hostilities that spread beyond the two countries to key maritime routes, Gulf allies and military bases across the region.
Fighting Pauses
According to Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia, Tehran halted retaliatory operations after suspending attacks against Washington’s regional partners.
The United States also refrained from conducting air strikes for a third consecutive night. Before Friday, US forces had carried out strikes on Iran for 13 straight nights, marking the most intense escalation since an April ceasefire.
The lull has revived hopes of renewed diplomacy after fighting disrupted earlier negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Oil Prices Fall
Oil prices fell sharply on Monday as investors welcomed the reduction in military activity.
Brent crude briefly dropped more than 7% below $90 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate fell about 4% to around $85.45.
Unconfirmed Iranian media reports also claimed that an oil tanker had been damaged by a sea mine, highlighting the continued risks facing regional shipping.
Diplomacy and Military Pressure
Speaking to Fox News, Mike Waltz said the Trump administration was allowing negotiations “a little bit of room” while maintaining military readiness.
Trump also dismissed reports suggesting US military operations had slowed because of dwindling missile stockpiles, telling The Wall Street Journal that the United States possessed more munitions than it needed.
However, The New York Times, citing unnamed officials, reported that plans to intensify the US campaign had been delayed partly because of concerns over shrinking supplies of Patriot interceptor missiles and other defensive weapons.
Netanyahu Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday and is expected to press for continued pressure on Iran, particularly over its nuclear programme.
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu backed Trump’s diplomatic efforts but insisted Iran’s nuclear programme must be ended “with a deal or without a deal.”
Iran maintains its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes, while the United States and its allies say it is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.
Despite the pause between Washington and Tehran, regional tensions remain high.
