US and Iran hold fire for third night as talks given ‘space’
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The United States and Iran have paused military strikes for a third consecutive night as both sides seek to give diplomacy another opportunity after nearly two weeks of escalating conflict.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump was allowing negotiations “some space and time” but warned that additional US military assets were moving into the region and that “all options remain on the table”.
Iran’s military also announced it had halted retaliatory operations, following 13 nights of US strikes aimed at weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies, has been central to tensions. A provisional agreement reached in June required Iran to reopen the strait and commit not to develop nuclear weapons, while the US pledged to lift sanctions and remove a naval blockade. However, attacks on shipping later reignited hostilities.
US Central Command said it had intercepted vessels attempting to bypass the blockade, while Iran responded with strikes on American bases across the Middle East.
Tensions have also widened after Ukraine struck an Iranian vessel allegedly carrying military cargo to Russia, prompting Tehran to threaten retaliation against Kyiv.
