Direct attacks between the United States and Iran have temporarily halted after several weeks of intense fighting. The pause, coming in the sixth month of the conflict, has opened space for diplomatic negotiations. Washington's decision, however, appears to have been driven not only by a desire for a deal, but also by dwindling U.S. air defense stockpiles, concerns from Gulf states, and growing opposition among the American public.
The United States had been carrying out repeated strikes against Iran since June 27. According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes were intended to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with drone attacks on American bases and other targets in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Iran's Ministry of Health stated that the American strikes killed at least 55 people and wounded another 629. On the American side, according to Defense Department figures, four soldiers were killed and 207 others were injured.
Over the weekend, both sides suspended direct attacks. According to American media, Washington wanted to allow an Omani delegation to negotiate in Tehran on resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Another reason may be concerns about a shortage of air defense missiles.
The Pentagon had, according to The New York Times, used more than 1,200 Patriot anti-missile interceptors by the end of April. Each costs over four million dollars. Further escalation could therefore dangerously deplete American stockpiles intended to protect bases and allied states in the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he halted the strikes at the request of mediators and regional countries, to give diplomacy another chance. At the same time, he warned that military operations could resume if negotiations fail. Tehran responded that it would not allow the United States to unilaterally dictate the timing of war and peace.
Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan have meanwhile, according to Al Jazeera, drafted a proposal for a ten-day ceasefire. Iran is simultaneously conducting separate talks with Oman on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran says remains closed.
Domestic pressure on the Trump administration is also growing. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only one-third of Americans support the war. A total of 69 percent of respondents believe the president has not clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement. Another poll showed that 68 percent of Americans consider the conflict a war not worth fighting.
The temporary pause may therefore not signal the end of the fighting. It does show, however, that continuing the conflict would mean rising military, economic, and political costs for both sides.
gnews.cz - GH