The United States has suspended military strikes against Iran for a second consecutive night as diplomatic negotiations continue in an effort to prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war.

President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing both diplomatic and military options as the nearly five-month-long conflict enters a critical phase. His deliberations come ahead of a scheduled White House meeting on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has consistently opposed Washington’s negotiations with Tehran.

Netanyahu is facing increasing political pressure at home to demonstrate that Israel’s military operations against Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon have produced tangible results before national elections scheduled for October.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that it has also paused what it describes as its “retaliatory” operations against U.S. allies in the region. Speaking on Sunday, Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said U.S. attacks had ceased over the past two nights, prompting Tehran to halt its own military response.

“Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory,” Akraminia stated. “Since the Americans have stopped their attacks, we have also halted our retaliatory operations.”

The temporary lull in fighting follows nearly two weeks of intense military exchanges and the collapse of a ceasefire previously brokered by President Trump. The United States has accused Iran of targeting American forces and allies across the region, as well as disrupting global energy supplies through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes. Senior officials from Iran and Oman were reported to be engaged in talks on Sunday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials also confirmed that indirect communication with U.S. negotiators remains active in an effort to prevent renewed hostilities.

According to Iranian sources, Tehran is demanding financial compensation and greater authority over determining which vessels are permitted to pass through the vital shipping route.

“Mediators are working and trying to prevent tension from escalating,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said during a press conference.

Despite the pause in military operations, tensions remain high. An Iranian military spokesperson accused Washington of lacking a clear strategy and claimed the United States was experiencing “strategic decision-making fatigue.”

Reports also indicate that senior officials within the Trump administration have cautioned the president about declining U.S. munitions stockpiles, raising concerns over the country's ability to sustain a prolonged military campaign should fighting resume.

While the current pause has offered a brief respite from hostilities, uncertainty remains over whether diplomatic negotiations will succeed in securing a lasting de-escalation or whether the conflict will return to open warfare in the coming days.