The conflict between Iran and the United States appears to have entered a cautious diplomatic phase, with both sides continuing to exchange indirect messages while military operations have temporarily slowed. Although no formal ceasefire has been announced, recent developments suggest both governments are leaving the door open for renewed negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei confirmed that communication between Tehran and Washington remains active through diplomatic channels and international mediators, despite the ongoing regional crisis.

Iran Announces Conditional Suspension of Retaliatory Attacks

Iranian military officials stated that they have paused what they described as “retaliatory operations” following the halt in recent U.S. airstrikes. However, Tehran warned that any renewed American military action would trigger an immediate response.

According to sources quoted by Reuters, Iran’s position remains clear:

“If the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its military operations. The United States has already been informed of this position.”

The same sources noted that Iranian officials remain skeptical, believing the current pause may be tactical rather than the beginning of a lasting ceasefire.

Trump Gives Diplomacy More Time

Several U.S. media outlets, including Axios, CNN, and The New York Times, reported that President Donald Trump declined to approve a Pentagon proposal for another large-scale round of strikes against Iran.

Instead, the administration has reportedly chosen to give diplomacy another opportunity before escalating military operations.

A White House spokesperson stated:

“President Trump has always preferred a diplomatic solution whenever one remains possible.”

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also confirmed that the administration is allowing negotiations additional time to produce results.

Pentagon Raises Strategic Concerns

According to CNN, senior Pentagon officials expressed concerns about several critical issues, including:

• Declining supplies of Patriot air defense missiles.

• The possibility of a broader regional conflict.

• Growing pressure from Gulf allies.

• The potential economic consequences of a prolonged war.

Officials reportedly warned that expanding military operations could significantly increase regional instability.

Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington for high-level talks with President Trump focusing on regional security and Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu reiterated that Iran’s nuclear ambitions must be stopped, whether through diplomacy or other means.

“If it can be achieved without returning to a major war, that’s excellent. But one way or another, Iran’s nuclear program must be stopped.”

Shipping Through Key Maritime Routes Declines

The regional tensions continue to affect global shipping.

According to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, commercial traffic through both the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply.

Only 11 commercial vessels transited Bab el-Mandeb on Sunday—the lowest level recorded in months—while fewer than 10 merchant ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

The decline reflects growing concerns among shipping companies about security risks despite the temporary reduction in military activity.

A Fragile Opportunity for Peace

While the exchange of messages between Tehran and Washington has created cautious optimism, officials on both sides remain wary. No formal ceasefire agreement has been reached, and military forces remain on high alert across the region.

Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, but analysts warn that the situation remains highly fragile. Any renewed military strike could quickly end the current pause and push the Middle East back toward a broader conflict.

As negotiations continue, the international community is closely watching whether this temporary lull can evolve into meaningful diplomacy—or whether it is simply a brief pause before another escalation.