U.S. and Iran Pause Attacks as Diplomats Seek Path Back to Ceasefire Talks
No formal ceasefire has been announced, while maritime security and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain major obstacles
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, July 26, 2026 — The United States and Iran have refrained from attacking each other for a second consecutive day, creating a temporary opening for diplomacy after nearly two weeks of escalating military action.
The Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign late Friday following 13 successive nights of American airstrikes against Iranian targets. No new U.S. attacks were reported on Saturday or Sunday.
Iran, which had responded to the American operations with strikes against neighbouring countries hosting U.S. military facilities, also held its fire during the same period.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump authorized the pause to provide negotiations with additional time. However, the administration did not disclose where talks were being held, who was participating or whether the two sides had made progress on the principal disputes.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would continue withholding its military response for as long as the United States maintained its pause. The official described Iran’s position as reciprocal: if American attacks remain suspended, Iranian operations will also stop.
The Iranian official nevertheless cautioned that Tehran remained sceptical about Washington’s intentions and was not treating the pause as evidence of a permanent change in American policy.
No formal ceasefire yet
The halt in attacks is not a negotiated ceasefire. Neither government has publicly signed a new agreement, and both retain military forces positioned across the region.
Diplomatic efforts are focused partly on restoring an interim arrangement that was undermined by renewed fighting. Oman has reportedly been involved in discussions concerning safer passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the latest conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the strait. Commercial traffic has declined sharply because of attacks, naval operations and increased insurance costs.
The United States continues to enforce maritime restrictions involving Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have threatened Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, raising the possibility that disruption could affect both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb route.
Oil markets remain sensitive to every military and diplomatic development. Brent crude recently moved above $100 a barrel as investors assessed risks to Gulf and Red Sea energy shipments.
Deep divisions remain
The two governments continue to disagree over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, maritime access and the presence of American forces in the region. Iran has also accused Washington of using temporary pauses to gain a military or negotiating advantage.
The temporary calm may therefore represent either the beginning of a diplomatic process or simply a brief break before fighting resumes.
Why it matters
A durable ceasefire could reduce risks to Gulf states, commercial shipping and global energy markets. Renewed attacks, however, could again threaten oil supplies, increase inflation and draw additional countries into the conflict.
