The Trump administration has paused daily airstrikes on Iran for two consecutive nights, a move that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described as an effort to give diplomacy room to succeed. The pause follows nearly two weeks of sustained U.S. bombing of Iranian infrastructure after the collapse of a ceasefire in early July, according to CBS News and BBC News. Tehran also halted its retaliatory strikes over the weekend, raising hopes for a de-escalation in the conflict that has roiled global energy markets and drawn widespread public frustration.

Main Story

The United States paused its daily airstrikes on Iran on Friday and Saturday nights, marking the first break in nearly two weeks of sustained bombing. The strikes had followed the collapse of a ceasefire in early July, when Iranian forces attacked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the U.S. to resume military operations and reinstate a naval blockade on Iranian ports, according to BBC News. Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Middle East, killing four American soldiers. The U.S. strikes have since killed dozens of people, according to Iran's health ministry, as reported by BBC News.

Ambassador Mike Waltz, appearing on Face the Nation on Sunday, said the pause is intended to give diplomacy a chance. He described President Trump as a president of peace who is giving diplomacy space and a little bit of time to work, according to CBS News. However, Waltz also confirmed that additional military assets are moving into the region, and he rejected reports that the U.S. is running low on certain munitions, calling such claims nonsense, per CBS News. Speaking to Fox News and NBC, Waltz reiterated that the president is keeping all options on the table, according to BBC News.

On Sunday, Tehran also paused its retaliatory strikes. An Iranian army spokesperson confirmed the halt, according to BBC News. Meanwhile, Iranian and Omani officials held several rounds of technical talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday to discuss management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. An Iranian official described the discussions as constructive, per CBS News. Waltz praised Oman's mediation efforts during his interview.

Why It Matters

The conflict has had significant economic and political consequences. Oil prices hit $100 a barrel for the first time since May, as renewed fighting stoked fears over global energy supplies, according to BBC News. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major obstacle to a permanent end to the war, with disputes over its control reigniting tensions earlier this month. The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to halt military operations and reopen the strait, with a 60-day timeline to reach a final agreement. However, the ceasefire unraveled after Iranian forces attacked tankers on July 13, according to BBC News.

Public opinion in the U.S. is largely negative. A CBS News poll published Sunday found that most Americans describe their feelings about the conflict as uncertain or frustrated, and only 19% are optimistic, according to CBS News. While Americans consider it important to open the Strait of Hormuz, stop Iran's nuclear program, and counter Iranian threats, they think the conflict is not going well, the poll found.

Political Context

The pause has drawn sharply divergent reactions from U.S. lawmakers. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), appearing on Face the Nation, expressed support for the daily strikes and argued that the U.S. should continue the blockade and starve Iran out, according to The Hill. Kennedy's remarks underscored the hawkish sentiment among some Republicans who favor a maximum-pressure approach.

In contrast, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who has opposed the Iran war from the outset, called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to diplomacy. He urged the U.S. to sit down and negotiate with Iran, stop the killing, and address the economic devastation that is raising gas prices and other costs, according to CBS News.

The debate reflects a broader divide within the administration and Congress over the path forward. While Waltz emphasized that the pause is not a sign of de-escalation, the move has created a window for diplomatic engagement that both sides appear to be exploring cautiously.

What Officials and Groups Are Saying

Ambassador Mike Waltz framed the pause as a tactical decision to allow diplomacy to proceed, while making clear that the U.S. military retains full capability and is positioning additional assets in the region. He dismissed concerns about munitions depletion as unfounded, according to CBS News and BBC News.

Sen. John Kennedy argued for a continuation of the blockade and strikes, using colorful language to express his view that a tough stance is necessary, as reported by The Hill.

Sen. Bernie Sanders took the opposite position, advocating for a negotiated end to the war and highlighting the economic toll on American families, per CBS News.

Iranian officials, through their foreign ministry spokesman, confirmed the technical talks with Oman and described them as constructive, according to BBC News.

In the UK, new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said he would meet his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth in the coming week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing alignment on securing maritime freedom and free commercial shipping, as reported by BBC News.

Timeline

  • June 2026: U.S. and Iran sign a memorandum of understanding to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and reach a final agreement within 60 days, per BBC News.
  • July 13, 2026: Iranian forces attack tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the U.S. to resume airstrikes and reinstate a naval blockade, according to BBC News.
  • July 13-24, 2026: The U.S. conducts daily strikes on Iranian infrastructure for 13 consecutive days. Iran retaliates with attacks on U.S. military facilities, killing four American soldiers, per CBS News and BBC News.
  • July 25-26, 2026: The U.S. pauses strikes for two nights. Iran also halts its retaliatory attacks. Iran and Oman hold technical talks in Tehran, according to CBS News and BBC News.
  • July 26, 2026: Ambassador Waltz says the pause is intended to give diplomacy space. Sen. Kennedy and Sen. Sanders offer contrasting views on Face the Nation, per The Hill and CBS News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the U.S. pause strikes on Iran?

According to Ambassador Mike Waltz, the pause is intended to give diplomacy space and time to work, as reported by CBS News.

Is the pause a sign of de-escalation?

Waltz indicated that the president is keeping all options on the table and that additional military assets are moving into the region, suggesting the pause is not a permanent de-escalation, per BBC News.

What role is Oman playing?

Iran and Oman held technical talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday to discuss management of the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian official described the discussions as constructive, according to CBS News.

How do U.S. lawmakers view the conflict?

Opinions are divided. Sen. John Kennedy supports continued strikes and a blockade, while Sen. Bernie Sanders calls for an immediate end to the war and a return to negotiations, as covered by The Hill and CBS News.

What is the public sentiment in the U.S.?

A CBS News poll found that 57% of Americans are frustrated with the conflict and only 19% are optimistic. Most believe the conflict is not going well, according to CBS News.

What Happens Next

The coming days will be critical in determining whether the pause leads to a broader diplomatic breakthrough or a resumption of hostilities. The U.S. has signaled it is willing to give talks a chance, but military assets continue to flow into the region. Iran's constructive engagement with Oman offers a potential pathway, but the core dispute over the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved. With oil prices above $100 a barrel and public frustration mounting, the pressure on both sides to find a sustainable solution is intense. Readers should watch for further diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington, as well as any movement on the Strait of Hormuz negotiations, which will be key to ending the war.