The United States suspended its attacks against Iran for a second consecutive day on Sunday, and Tehran announced it had done the same as efforts continued to return the nations to negotiations regarding an interim ceasefire deal that has been significantly undermined by recent exchanges of fire.
It remains unclear why the U.S. paused after targeting Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure during a nearly two-week escalation initiated by Iran firing at ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon did not provide an immediate response to inquiries on Sunday.
White House communications director Steven Cheung stated, “President (Donald) Trump has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies.” Cheung added, “It would be wise for Iran to work toward a negotiated deal. Otherwise, they know what will happen.”
Iran's army spokesperson informed Iran’s state TV on Sunday that it had also halted actions since the U.S. stopped attacks over the past two nights. Tehran has recently retaliated against countries hosting U.S. military forces in the region, resulting in at least three fatalities at a base in Jordan.
A regional official described the pause as a “positive signal.”
The 60-day period that commenced when both nations signed the interim deal in mid-June is now entering its second half. Major issues intended for negotiation—notably Iran’s nuclear program, which is central to tensions—remain on hold while mediators work to maintain dialogue between both sides.
The regional official involved in mediation efforts stated that diplomacy was ongoing and that the pause in U.S. and Iranian strikes represented a “positive signal that helps their efforts to de-escalate.”
The official mentioned that both countries seek to return to the interim ceasefire deal, and the compromise under negotiation focuses on allowing Iran to manage vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz with fewer restrictions on ships. The official declined to elaborate further, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to discuss the matter.
Concerns persist regarding shipping in the strait and now also in another vital regional waterway, the Bab al-Mandeb strait leading to the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened a blockade of Saudi shipping there last week.
Global energy supplies and the economy remain uncertain as gasoline prices have risen again.
Iran stated on Sunday that it continued discussions with Oman concerning the safe passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two countries. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, reported that talks had progressed and were continuing.
Baghaei also indicated that the strait's status remained unchanged. Tehran maintains that the interim deal with the U.S. permits it to manage shipping on the waterway currently, and it has objected to U.S. efforts supporting a route through the strait near Oman instead.
The U.S. military reported on Saturday that its recently reinstated naval blockade against Iran was in effect, leading to the redirection of a dozen commercial ships, with two disabled and two boarded. U.S. forces added that they “remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready.”
Netanyahu Expresses Full Support for Trump’s Initiatives
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his plan to travel to the United States to meet with Trump in Washington on Tuesday, according to his office. They last met in Washington in February, weeks before the war against Iran began, which resulted in the deaths of senior leaders including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian-backed Hezbollah fired at Israel two days after the conflict started, and Israel responded with airstrikes and ground forces in southern Lebanon. Since then, the U.S. has supported direct talks between Lebanon and Israel to de-escalate that front and find a method to disarm Hezbollah.
On Sunday, Netanyahu told Fox News that he “fully” supports Trump’s efforts to weaken Iran and urge it to cease its nuclear program. He added, “If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that’s fine. Why not?”
The prime minister indicated he would not introduce new information to "our good friend" Trump but would instead listen to "what he has in mind, because I think in many ways, it’s his decision."
However, Netanyahu cautioned that if Iran attacks Israel again, either directly or through armed proxies, “it will make a terrible mistake.”