Fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has thwarted earlier attempts to resume diplomatic talks. (Photo: Khor Fakkan/AFP)
There is renewed hope that diplomatic talks between Iran and the United States (US) can resume after Tehran announced it had temporarily suspended its retaliatory strikes. The decision follows after US attacks on Iran, according to this country, stopped for the past two nights.
Iran’s military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said on Sunday that Iran’s military actions were mainly aimed at responding to US attacks.
“The American attacks stopped two nights ago. Because our strategy is based on responding to those attacks, we also stopped our retaliatory operations.”
The announcement comes as the conflict between Washington and Tehran continues to escalate and more and more parts of the Middle East are affected.
Hope to revive conversations
Fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has thwarted earlier attempts to resume diplomatic talks. Since then, the conflict has expanded to include attacks on US military bases, international shipping and US allies in the Gulf region.
Pres. Donald Trump (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP)
US media reports that Washington has temporarily suspended its military operations against Iran. The US government is reportedly considering its next steps amid concerns over the availability of air defense missiles and other military stockpiles.
Although pres. Donald Trump warned on Friday that Iran could still face much bigger attacks if negotiations fail, he said talks between the two countries continue.
“We’re talking to them right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious,” Trump told reporters.
He added that Iran faces a choice of either reaching an agreement or being confronted with much greater military action.
Military, political pressure is increasing
Several American news organizations report that the White House considered the possibility of further attacks, but that concerns about the risk of a further escalation and the availability of military equipment played a role in the decision not to proceed immediately.
According to reports, senior US security officials warned the president that a larger offensive could further expand the conflict and increase tensions with allies in the Gulf.
The war, which Trump had earlier predicted would be over in a few weeks, has now lasted almost five months.
The ongoing conflict is putting increasing political pressure on the US president as the US prepares for mid-term elections later this year.
Iran warns against further escalation
Despite the temporary lull in fighting, Iran has stressed that the conflict could quickly flare up again if America resumes attacks.
The warning comes shortly before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington for talks with Trump.
Tehran has indicated that any new US military action is likely to lead to further expansion of the war.
New tensions in the region
Meanwhile, the conflict affects more and more countries in the Middle East.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said on Sunday that they had shot down a drone from Saudi Arabia in the north-west of this country. This comes shortly after the group claimed to have attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, ballistic missiles and a drone were intercepted above Yanbu before they could reach their targets.
Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, said his country could not be held responsible for the latest escalation. He offered to help mediate talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
According to him, there is “no military solution” to the conflict.
Hormoes remains the main focal point
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive areas in the conflict.
Iran said on Sunday that its armed forces had intercepted six vessels in the past day after warnings were issued to them. The incident highlights the tense situation in one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Iran and Oman are simultaneously holding talks on future arrangements for shipping in the strait. According to Tehran, progress has already been made on shared principles and possible mechanisms to manage the route.