Iran Halts Retaliatory Attacks as US Pauses Strikes for Second Night

By Anthony mamuli 

Iran said on Sunday it has suspended retaliatory attacks against U.S. allies in the Middle East after Washington held off on striking Iranian territory for two consecutive nights, offering a rare lull in a conflict nearing its fifth month.

Army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia confirmed the shift, telling Iran's semiofficial Mehr news agency, "These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks."   He added, "Since... our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations."  

The pause follows 13 straight nights of bombing that marked the most intense phase of the conflict.  

A separate Iranian official cautioned it was too early to call the halt a formal ceasefire, saying Washington's longer-term intentions remained unclear.

Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump said he had not yet decided whether to resume a full-scale campaign, warning Iran still faced a choice between reaching a deal or facing strikes at a "much higher level."  

Analysts have linked the pause partly to strain on U.S. munitions stockpiles, though Trump has dismissed those reports, insisting American supplies remain vast.  

The lull comes two days ahead of a planned Washington meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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