US pauses Iran strikes for second night as diplomatic contacts continue
The United States halted attacks on Iran for a second night as both sides paused operations and intermediaries pursued talks over renewed fighting and the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night on July 26, 2026, while diplomatic contacts continued over the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said US attacks had stopped for two nights and that Tehran had also halted what it describes as retaliatory operations. The pause began on the evening of July 24 after nearly two weeks of renewed strikes, according to reporting carried by two configured AddisMizan sources.
US officials have not ruled out further military action. Washington’s UN ambassador, Mike Waltz, said President Donald Trump was keeping his options open. Trump said on July 24 that talks with Iran were under way, even as he maintained that US forces were prepared to act.
The Guardian reported that senior US military officials advised Trump that the campaign had reached the limits of its effectiveness and warned about pressure on munitions stocks. Those assessments were attributed to media reports and have not been independently released by the Pentagon.
Diplomatic activity has focused partly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. Iranian and Omani representatives were reported to be in contact on July 26, while Tehran confirmed communication with US negotiators through intermediaries.
The lull remains fragile. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has argued for a tougher US position on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, is expected in Washington on July 28. Neither side has announced a new ceasefire agreement.
