US media reports said concerns over missile-defence stocks and the risks of further escalation had influenced Trump’s decision
Washington: US President Donald Trump halted the American bombing campaign against Iran after 13 nights of air strikes, giving diplomatic efforts more time, officials said on Sunday.
No US attacks were reported on Saturday or Sunday after the Pentagon suspended operations late on Friday. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Trump had decided to “give talks some space”.
A senior Trump administration official said the President preferred diplomacy but had demonstrated the consequences Iran would face if it failed to negotiate seriously.
Iran later said it would suspend its own attacks as long as the US maintained the pause. A senior Iranian official said Tehran’s position remained “attack for attack” and warned of a broad response if Washington resumed strikes.
Iranian officials, however, remained sceptical, viewing the halt as tactical rather than a major change in Washington’s approach. US media reports said concerns over missile-defence stocks and the risks of further escalation had influenced Trump’s decision.
