For the second consecutive day, the United States and Iran suspended mutual attacks, and the world is watching to see if the two sides will return to temporary ceasefire negotiations. Mediation continues, but core differences, such as the Iranian nuclear issue, remain unresolved, and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have not completely subsided.
Signs of a temporary ceasefire have appeared.
The United States had previously escalated its operations over the past two weeks, striking Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure. One of the triggers for the conflict was Iranian fire on ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon has not yet explained why the U.S. suspended its strikes for two consecutive nights.
White House Communications Director Steven Chang stated that Trump has consistently preferred to resolve issues through diplomacy, but the U.S. retains all options if Iran continues to take action in the Strait of Hormuz or against U.S. allies.
An Iranian military spokesman told Iranian state television that since the United States had suspended its attacks for the past two nights, Iran had also ceased its operations. Several days earlier, Tehran had launched retaliatory attacks against regional countries hosting US troops, resulting in at least three deaths at a Jordanian base.
Oman continues to mediate for navigation in the Straits.
Regional officials involved in the mediation said that diplomatic efforts are still underway, and the suspension of mutual attacks between the US and Iran is a positive sign that helps de-escalate the situation. The official stated that both sides hope to return to the temporary ceasefire agreement signed in mid-June.
According to the official, the compromise being discussed focuses on Iran continuing to manage ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but reducing restrictions on transit vessels. However, the official was not authorized to disclose details of the negotiations and therefore spoke anonymously.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae said on the 26th that Iran is still in consultations with Oman regarding safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and that the negotiations have made progress and are continuing. He also stated that the status quo in the strait remains unchanged.
Tehran believes that the current temporary arrangement with the United States allows Iran to temporarily manage shipping through the waterway and opposes the US support for an alternative route closer to Oman.
Shipping and energy risks remain unresolved.
Despite a temporary slowdown in military operations, market concerns about the security of Middle Eastern shipping routes have not disappeared. In addition to the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects to the Red Sea, is also facing new pressure. Last week, the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to blockade Saudi shipping.
Against this backdrop, global energy supplies and the economic outlook remain under pressure, and gasoline prices have risen again. Given the Strait of Hormuz's crucial role in crude oil transport, any navigational restrictions could quickly have a ripple effect on the international energy market.
Netanyahu will travel to the United States to meet with Trump.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to travel to Washington on Tuesday to meet with President Trump. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu stated that he "fully" supports Trump's efforts to weaken Iran and force it to end its nuclear program.
He also stated that if Trump could achieve this goal without returning to high-intensity military conflict, it would be an acceptable outcome. However, he warned that if Iran were to attack Israel again, directly or through proxies, it would be making a "serious mistake."
