Dwindling munitions? US halts strikes on Iran for the third night
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Tehran: A pause in hostilities has emerged in the US-Iran conflict after Washington halted its bombing campaign for a third straight night, as diplomatic efforts intensified and military advisers reportedly urged President Donald Trump against further strikes.
The suspension of US attacks followed reports that senior military officials warned the president that dwindling munitions stockpiles and a shrinking list of viable targets had reduced the effectiveness of continuing the operation. Despite the pause, the Trump administration has not ruled out further military action.
The development came after nearly two weeks of US strikes launched following Washington's accusations that Iran had targeted American forces and regional allies and closed the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also suspended what it described as retaliatory attacks against US allies, saying it had halted its military response after the United States stopped its operations.
The easing of hostilities pushed oil prices lower on Monday as markets reacted to the reduced risk of an immediate escalation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday amid differences over Washington's diplomatic outreach to Tehran. Netanyahu has continued to press for sustained military action against Iran while facing political pressure ahead of Israel's October elections.
Meanwhile, diplomatic contacts involving Iran, Oman and the United States continued in an effort to prevent a return to full-scale conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. Iran has sought payment and authority over vessels using the waterway, while its military maintained that Washington lacked a clear strategy despite suspending its bombing campaign.