What’s Behind Sudden Pause in US-Iran Conflict?
News Desk
Tehran: Iran has claimed that it has suspended retaliatory military actions against US allies in the Middle East after Washington halted its attacks over the past two nights, signaling a temporary pause in hostilities following months of escalating conflict.
Iranian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akramian said on Sunday that Tehran’s military response had been based on the principle of retaliation and was suspended after US attacks stopped.
“US attacks have stopped for the past two nights and since our strategy was mainly based on retaliation, we have also stopped our retaliatory actions,” he said.
According to Iranian sources, military exchanges between the two sides have paused after nearly two weeks of intensified attacks, raising hopes that diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran could resume.
The latest developments come as reports suggest the conflict has entered its fifth month, with tensions expanding beyond direct military confrontations to include the Strait of Hormuz, US military bases, Gulf states and regional shipping routes.
While no official ceasefire has been announced, several US media outlets reported that concerns over the cost of the conflict and dwindling US defensive weapons stockpiles may have contributed to the pause in military operations.
According to unnamed sources cited in media reports, the United States has spent more than $37.5 billion during the conflict, including approximately $1.7 billion on missile defense operations aimed at intercepting Iranian projectiles. The reports also claimed that inventories of Patriot missile interceptors and other air defense systems have declined significantly, potentially limiting further military operations. Washington has not officially confirmed these figures.
CNN, citing an unidentified Pentagon official, reported that US military operations against Iran are currently “on hold.” The New York Times, quoting two informed sources, said plans to intensify the conflict have been postponed due to concerns over available weapons stockpiles.
According to the reports, Vice President JD Vance and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine raised concerns during a White House meeting about the potential consequences of expanding military operations. General Kaine reportedly told President Donald Trump that while the military could execute all available options, the broader implications should also be considered.
President Trump said he had not yet decided whether to resume large-scale military action, adding that negotiations with Iran were continuing. He warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in “much more severe attacks.”
Iran, meanwhile, warned that any renewed US strikes could significantly broaden the scope of the conflict.
Regional tensions also remain elevated. Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed it had shot down a Saudi drone in northwestern Yemen and targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu. Separately, the Greek Air Force said personnel deployed in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles and a drone near Yanbu.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denied that Tehran was responsible for escalating regional tensions and offered to facilitate dialogue between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, saying there was no military solution to the conflict.
Iranian state television also reported that Iranian forces intercepted six vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz after issuing warnings, underscoring the strategic waterway’s continued role as a flashpoint in the dispute between Tehran and Washington.
Tehran also said discussions with Oman had made progress on shared principles and practical arrangements for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States has not officially confirmed Iran’s claims regarding the suspension of attacks, the reported war expenditures, or the alleged depletion of US defensive weapons stockpiles.
