US Pauses Iran Strikes After 13 Days as Munitions and Escalation Fears Mount
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 25
US Pauses Iran Strikes After 13 Days as Munitions and Escalation Fears Mount
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 25
Summary
Friday night, the US put its Iran bombing campaign "on a hold" after nearly two weeks of nightly strikes, pausing as Trump weighed whether to intensify attacks.
JD Vance and Gen. Dan Caine warned in a White House meeting that escalation could drain already depleted munitions, widen the war and cause mass civilian casualties if infrastructure were hit.
Trump still told advisers and reporters that diplomacy remained possible while keeping military options open, saying Iran was getting "more serious" in talks even as heavier strikes were discussed.
US stockpile pressure has been compounded by aid to Ukraine and operations against the Houthis, while Democrats and Gulf partners separately urged restraint over the risks of a broader conflict.
With U.S. pressure, naval blockades, and regional strikes expanding, what would actually prevent this crisis from becoming a wider Middle East war?
If Oman helps reopen Hormuz, can that calm oil markets and shipping risks while attacks continue in the Red Sea?
The 60-Day Strait of Hormuz Ceasefire: Trump’s 2026 Maritime Crisis, Iran’s Toll Threat, and the Global Energy Shock
Overview
In July 2026, escalating attacks by Iran on ships in the Strait of Hormuz led President Trump to end a fragile ceasefire and launch heavy U.S. strikes, prompting Iran to retaliate against U.S. allies and energy infrastructure. After nearly two weeks of conflict, Trump paused military action, allowing mediators like Pakistan and Oman to broker a temporary 60-day deal that reopened the strait and eased the U.S. blockade. However, unresolved disputes over control and tolls in the strait, along with renewed blockades and high oil prices, fueled economic pain and political tension at home and abroad, leaving the region on edge as the ceasefire’s end approached.