Iran has gone another night without US air strikes as Washington pauses its military campaign nearing its fifth month. Reports suggest concerns over dwindling munitions, including Patriot interceptors and other defensive weapons, are limiting plans for further escalation.

The conflict, which began with fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and disrupted diplomatic efforts, expanded to attacks on US bases, regional shipping, and Gulf allies. Despite US President Donald Trump's threat of a "much higher level" of strikes, operations against Iran are reportedly "on a hold," according to an unidentified Pentagon source cited by CNN.

Plans to escalate the campaign have been shelved partly due to shrinking supplies, The New York Times reported, citing two people briefed on the matter. Trump also faces risks of a wider Middle East war, alienation of Gulf allies, and economic shocks.

US Vice-President JD Vance and top general Dan Caine expressed concerns about escalation during a White House meeting. General Caine told Trump the military could execute available options but warned of possible implications. Trump stated he had not decided whether to resume all-out operations.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported stopping four ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours. There were no weekend reports of Iranian retaliatory strikes on countries hosting US military assets.

These developments have revived hopes for a return to negotiations after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly US bombardments, though the pause may also reflect pressure on US defensive stockpiles.

Sources