The United States and Iran have both halted their attacks, bringing a temporary lull to hostilities after nearly two weeks of conflict. The two sides are seeking to resume negotiations through intermediaries, although no formal ceasefire has been agreed upon.
According to CNN on the 26th, President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of airstrikes against Iran on the 24th. The U.S. military had conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities for 13 consecutive days from the 11th to the 23rd but has not launched any further attacks since then.
In response to the U.S. halt in airstrikes, Iran has also ceased its retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East. However, neither side has made an official announcement to completely end military actions.
Iran has characterized the U.S. decision to stop airstrikes as a victory. Amir Akraminia, a spokesperson for the Iranian military, stated in an interview with state television that "the U.S. has failed to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz or weaken and destroy Iran's defensive capabilities."
He also suggested that the U.S. is feeling the burden of prolonged military operations. He referenced the Houthi movement in Yemen, which is supported by Iran, as having initiated a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. views the halt in airstrikes as a step toward seeking a diplomatic resolution. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz appeared on NBC, stating, "The President is allowing some room for dialogue to occur," and noted that negotiations are taking place at all levels, from working groups to the highest ranks.
Iran has also indicated that communication with the U.S. is ongoing through intermediaries. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, told Austria's state broadcaster ORF that "both sides are exchanging messages, and the activities of the mediating countries are continuing."
However, significant differences remain regarding the key issue that sparked the conflict: navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. demands the free passage of commercial vessels, while Iran insists on maintaining control over the strait.
Even after the cessation of airstrikes, shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz have not returned to normal. According to shipping analytics firm Kepler, the number of cargo ships passing through the strait last weekend fell below ten per day. On the 25th, only three vessels passed through the strait while operating with their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) turned off.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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