US-Iran Strike Pause Enters Third Night Amid Hormuz Talks

The United States has halted strikes against Iran for a third consecutive night as diplomats pursue talks to prevent further escalation in a conflict now entering its fifth month. President Donald Trump directed the pause to allow room for negotiations, according to US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz. Iranian officials have similarly suspended retaliatory operations in the region, though Tehran maintains it has no direct talks with Washington and continues discussions with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz.

Pentagon data released over the weekend recorded 18 American service members killed and 624 wounded since strikes began in late February. The figures reflect an increase of more than 140 wounded added to official tallies in recent days. Military commanders have advised against immediate resumption of the campaign, citing limits on its effectiveness, while oil prices have eased below 90 dollars per barrel following the lull.

Reports from multiple outlets indicate heavy expenditure of air defense interceptors, including Patriot and THAAD systems, to protect US facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar. The Energy Department earlier authorized release of 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve amid the fighting. Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie stated on social media that the United States has been significantly weakened by the war, pointing to depleted missile defenses, drained reserves, sacrificed personnel, higher consumer prices, increased debt and neglected domestic priorities. He described the effort as undertaken all for Israel.

Administration officials have rejected claims of munitions shortages. Waltz told interviewers that the military possesses everything required to conduct operations and that leaks suggesting otherwise merit investigation. Trump has similarly asserted that American stockpiles exceed those of any other nation. Iranian state media reported attempts by vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without standard navigation systems, with one incident noted and others turned back.

The pause follows nearly two weeks of daily exchanges that ended a June ceasefire. Saudi forces struck Iran-backed targets in Yemen after attacks on Red Sea shipping, while Ukrainian strikes hit an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea. Markets have responded to the reduced tempo with lower energy costs, though the waterway remains effectively closed to routine traffic. Negotiations involve multiple parties, including Chinese diplomatic efforts centered in Pakistan, but no agreement on terms has been announced.