U.S. and Iran Pause Strikes for Second Day as Diplomacy Resumes

The United States and Iran have suspended mutual military strikes for a second consecutive day as of July 26, 2026, creating space for diplomatic negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world's oil and gas flows.

The pause began on Friday, July 24, after nearly two weeks of intense air strikes and counterattacks. Senior U.S. officials cited depleted munitions stockpiles as a key concern in recommending restraint to President Donald Trump. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine warned that resuming large-scale combat operations would dangerously deplete Patriot air-defense interceptor stocks, with over 1,200 missiles already fired at a cost exceeding $4 million each. Vice President JD Vance also raised concerns about escalation during a Friday White House meeting. Pentagon sources indicated operations are "on a hold," though the duration remains unspecified.

Iran confirmed the reciprocal pause on Sunday, with army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stating: "These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks. Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory; we have also halted our retaliatory operations." Akraminia warned that if the U.S. resumes strikes or is influenced by Israel, "the geographic scope of the conflict will expand further." Iran and Oman are conducting talks on managing vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations centered on allowing Iran greater control over shipping with fewer restrictions on which vessels may pass.

The White House emphasized that diplomatic options remain open while military capabilities are retained. UN Ambassador Michael Waltz stated on July 26 that "the President is keeping all options on the table," and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung reiterated that Trump "continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities." The Trump administration remains concerned about the prospect of expanded conflict, complications with Persian Gulf allies, and energy market disruptions. According to sources, the Pentagon presented strike plans to Trump on Friday as normal, but Trump ultimately directed the military not to proceed, signaling a preference for creating space for diplomatic efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Tuesday, July 28, amid the pause. Netanyahu has been a vocal critic of negotiations with Iran and lobbied for the initial strikes launched in February. The interim ceasefire agreed between the U.S. and Iran in June collapsed in recent weeks, and major unresolved issues—particularly Iran's nuclear program—remain set aside as mediators attempt to maintain dialogue. Regional officials involved in mediation efforts described the pause as "a positive signal" aiding de-escalation efforts, with both countries reportedly seeking to return to the interim ceasefire deal.