WASHINGTON, United States: President Donald Trump halted US strikes on Iran planned for July 24, ending 13 consecutive days of attacks, Axios reported, while Oman-mediated Hormuz talks separately showed progress.
Two people familiar with the decision said Trump withheld approval for a new military strike package. He had authorised similar plans each afternoon during the previous 13 days, according to Axios.
The White House did not respond to Axios’s request for comment. The report did not establish whether the suspension would extend beyond Friday.
An Omani delegation arrived in Tehran, Iran’s capital, several hours before Trump issued the order. The diplomats were discussing arrangements for commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the main focus of the Middle East conflict.
Read: US Strikes Iran for 13th Night, Trump Targets Assets
Two regional sources told Axios that Oman and Iran had made progress and could reach an arrangement over the weekend. Trump would then decide whether to accept the proposal.
Iranian state news agency IRNA independently confirmed the delegation’s arrival. However, officials did not disclose the proposals under consideration, according to Al Jazeera.
Trump said on Friday that Washington was talking to Iran and that Tehran appeared increasingly serious about negotiations. He also said the US military remained ready to escalate if diplomacy failed.
The US military continues to prepare options for renewed major combat operations, Axios reported. However, Trump had not ordered forces to begin implementing those plans.
Read: Trump-Iran Standoff Risks Prolonged Conflict
Israeli officials expected another round of US attacks and prepared for possible Iranian retaliation. Washington notified Israel on Friday night that Trump had not authorised further strikes, according to Axios.
