Trump paused attacks on Iran to make space for talks, US ambassador says
The US has paused military strikes against Iran for two days to allow for potential diplomatic negotiations. Despite the pause, the US maintains that all options remain on the table as tensions persist over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The situation represents a critical flashpoint in Middle Eastern geopolitics that directly impacts global oil supply chains and international security.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, An oil tanker moored off the coast of Muscat, Oman near the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump has paused attacks on Iran for the second night in a row to give diplomacy more time, the US ambassador to the UN has said.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, ambassador Mike Waltz said the president was "giving talks some space, he's giving it a little bit of room".
An Iranian army spokesperson said on Sunday that Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in the region in response.
The pause follows nearly two weeks of daily US strikes and tit-for-tat attacks, effectively unravelling the ceasefire struck in June.
Asked whether Trump had decided against escalation for now, Waltz told NBC: "I wouldn't go that far at all. The president is keeping all options on the table."
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