Adedokun Waliyu 
Iran has announced that it has suspended its retaliatory attacks against United States allies in the Middle East after Washington halted its military strikes on Iran over the past two nights.
The announcement comes as the conflict, now approaching its fifth month, shows signs of easing amid renewed hopes for diplomatic negotiations.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran’s military operations had been purely retaliatory and were halted after the United States stopped its attacks.
He noted that the US strikes had continued until two nights ago, but Iran suspended its response once the attacks ceased.
The recent pause follows weeks of intense fighting that expanded from the Strait of Hormuz to include attacks on US military bases, regional shipping routes and American allies in the Gulf.
Reports from US media indicate that Washington’s decision to pause operations may also be linked to concerns over dwindling supplies of Patriot missile interceptors and other defensive weapons.
According to reports, President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended plans for further military escalation while pursuing diplomatic talks, although he warned that the United States could launch strikes at a much higher level if negotiations fail.
The New York Times reported that plans for additional attacks were shelved partly because of shrinking military stockpiles, while CNN reported that senior officials, including Vice President JD Vance and top US military officer General Dan Caine, warned of the risks of a wider regional conflict.
Despite the pause, Iran warned that it would expand the war if the United States resumed its attacks.
The warning comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to Washington.
President Trump said discussions with Iran were continuing and expressed optimism that Tehran was becoming more serious about reaching an agreement.
He maintained that Iran must choose between a negotiated settlement and facing more extensive military action.
Meanwhile, the conflict has spread to Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they shot down a Saudi drone and carried out attacks on Saudi oil facilities in Jizan and Yanbu.
Saudi air defence systems reportedly intercepted two ballistic missiles and a drone over Yanbu.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran should not be blamed for the escalation and offered to help mediate talks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, insisting there is no military solution to the conflict.
Iran also said its naval forces intercepted six vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after issuing warnings, as tensions over the strategic waterway continue.
Tehran further disclosed that it has made progress in discussions with neighbouring Oman on shared principles and operational mechanisms for managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The temporary pause in hostilities has raised cautious hopes that diplomatic efforts could resume, although both sides continue to warn of further military action if negotiations fail.
