The United States paused its strikes on Iran on Friday, July 25th, 2026, following nearly two weeks of bombardments including in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This pause comes after the Islamabad-brokered ceasefire unraveled, and has effectively halted Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on US military assets and infrastructure in the region.

While US President Donald Trump has denied reports, media sources suggest Washington may be running low on air defence interceptors. News outlet Axios reported that General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump that a shortage of these interceptors could impair the protection of US forces and allies in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the central flashpoint. Iran effectively closed this vital international shipping route shortly after the US and Israel began attacks on Tehran on February 28th, 2026. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that six ships attempted to pass through an "illegal and unsafe" route in the southern Strait of Hormuz early Monday, July 27th, after turning off their navigation and positioning systems.

Despite the halt in strikes, the US military stated on Saturday, July 26th, that its naval blockade of Iranian ports, including those in the Strait of Hormuz, remains fully in effect. Meanwhile, shipping traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb strait has slowed due to Houthi attacks and a naval blockade announcement against the largest GCC member.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told NBC News that the pause in strikes is intended to provide space for ongoing diplomatic talks between the US and Iran. "What the president is doing right now, as we’ve seen all along, is giving some talks some space," Waltz said.

The pause in military actions reflects mounting pressure on both sides to pursue diplomacy amid heightened stakes in the region.

Sources