Trump Freezes Iran Strikes While Oman Leads Critical Talks
News Desk
Washington/Tehran: The United States has temporarily shifted from military pressure to diplomacy after President Donald Trump ordered a one-day suspension of airstrikes on Iran, allowing Omani-led negotiations a chance to secure a breakthrough over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to US media reports, American forces did not carry out strikes on Friday, marking the first pause after nearly two weeks of sustained military operations.
The decision coincided with the arrival of an Omani delegation in Tehran, where officials are working to broker a new agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries a significant share of global oil shipments.
Negotiators are reportedly optimistic that a framework could be finalized over the weekend. Any proposed agreement would ultimately require President Trump’s approval, making Washington’s next move dependent on the outcome of the talks.
While pausing military action, Trump maintained pressure on Tehran, warning that the suspension is temporary and that US operations could resume if American objectives are not fully met. He said military strikes would restart should negotiations fail to deliver the desired results.
Iran counters with battlefield claims
Even as diplomatic efforts gathered pace, Iran projected confidence on the military front. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had inflicted substantial losses on US forces during its retaliatory operations.
Iranian officials said their forces struck multiple American military installations and destroyed several high-value assets, including an F-15 fighter jet, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, a C-17 military transport plane, eight aerial refueling aircraft, and 17 drones.
The IRGC also claimed that Operation Nasr II killed more than 200 US soldiers after targeting eight American bases and destroying numerous military shelters.
However, these claims remain unverified. No independent evidence has been presented, and US authorities have not confirmed the reported casualties or equipment losses.
Kuwait distances itself from the conflict
As regional tensions intensified, Kuwait rejected reports suggesting it had played a role in military operations against Iran.
Responding to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Kuwaiti officials said the country neither participated in military action against any neighboring state nor allowed its territory, airspace, or territorial waters to be used for attacks on Iran.
The government reiterated its long-standing policy of neutrality, dismissing allegations of involvement as false.
Iran warns US allies
Iran also expanded its warnings beyond Washington, cautioning countries supporting US military operations that they could face retaliation.
IRGC spokesperson General Hossein Mohebbi said any nation providing military assistance to the United States would become a legitimate target for Iranian forces. He specifically warned Britain against continuing its support for US operations.
The latest developments underscore the delicate balance between diplomacy and confrontation. While Oman’s mediation has opened a potential path toward de-escalation, competing military claims and continued threats from both sides illustrate how fragile the situation remains.
