The United States has temporarily halted its military strikes on Iran following a period of increased hostilities, with both nations showing tentative signs of willingness to engage in further diplomatic discussions. According to statements from diplomats and officials, the pause in confrontations over the weekend followed several days of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told Fox News on Sunday that President Donald Trump is allowing talks with Iran to proceed without immediate interference, suggesting some flexibility in Washington’s approach. Waltz provided few specifics about the ongoing efforts but indicated that the administration is giving space for negotiations.
After thirteen consecutive nights of US airstrikes, the Pentagon suspended its bombing campaign, resulting in a quieter weekend with no reported Iranian attacks on neighboring countries. A senior official from President Trump’s team emphasized on Saturday that diplomatic engagement remains the administration’s preferred course but warned that Iran has seen the consequences of failing to participate seriously.
On the Iranian side, Al Arabiya reported that a senior official conveyed to Reuters that Tehran would end its military operations if the US continues to suspend its strikes. The Iranian source stressed a reciprocal approach, stating that Iranian action would stop as long as American attacks cease. However, skepticism lingers in Tehran over whether the US intentions behind the pause are genuine or merely tactical.
The recent developments follow both US and Iranian submissions of responses to a proposal from Pakistan and Qatar, which aims to restart negotiations. An individual familiar with the discussions told Al-Arabiya that Iran assured Pakistani officials it has not withdrawn from talks, but has only paused them. Tehran has expressed readiness to resume dialogue under the existing memorandum of understanding and has indicated willingness to continue discussions in Geneva, Doha, or Islamabad.
