This pause revived hopes of returning to negotiations after nearly two weeks of nightly US bombardments. However, US media reported that this break might also reflect pressure due to a shortage of Patriot interceptors and other defensive weapons.
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The struggle for the strategically important Strait of Hormuz thwarted diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, but the conflict expanded beyond the vital energy corridor, involving attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Gulf allies.
Nevertheless, US operations against Iran were “paused,” CNN reported, citing an unnamed Pentagon source, even though US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened “a much higher level” of strikes.
Plans for campaign escalation were postponed partly due to the aforementioned dwindling supplies, The New York Times reported, citing two people familiar with the matter.
Trump also faces the risk of a broader war in the Middle East, alienating vulnerable Gulf allies, and further shocks to the global economy, the newspaper noted.
US Vice President J. D. Vance and top US general Dan Caine expressed concerns about escalation during a White House meeting on Friday, CNN reported.
According to the television network, Caine told Trump that the military could successfully implement the options available to him but warned of potential consequences.
“A much higher level”
Trump said on Friday he had not yet decided whether to return to a full-scale operation.
“We’re talking to them now. I think they’re getting more serious,” he told reporters.
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Trump stated that Iran faces a choice between a deal and “a much higher level” of strikes.
The war, which Trump predicted would last four or five weeks, is now approaching its fifth month and is affecting the Republican’s approval ratings ahead of crucial US midterm elections in November.
The Pentagon had presented Trump with a plan for the 14th night of strikes, but he refused to approve it, preferring negotiations, Axios reported.
New front
Meanwhile, fighting has spread to a new front.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen reported on Saturday striking Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu, a day after Riyadh bombed Houthi targets.
The Greek Air Force media office reported that a Greek-operated surface-to-air battery in Saudi Arabia shot down two ballistic missiles and a drone over Yanbu.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard reported stopping four ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours.
Tehran’s de facto blockade of the waterway remains a major source of tension with Washington.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran cannot be blamed for the escalation and offered to mediate talks between the Houthis and Riyadh, emphasizing that “there is no military solution.”
