Key facts
- Iran has stated it will stop retaliatory attacks on neighboring Gulf countries.
- The U.S. military has paused its airstrikes on Iran after 13 consecutive nights of attacks.
- Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to de-escalate the conflict.
- The Iranian government is considering changes to gasoline consumption strategies due to subsidized prices.
Iran has announced it will halt its retaliatory attacks on neighboring Gulf countries following a two-night pause in U.S. strikes. Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, stated that their strategy has been retaliatory and that these operations have now ceased. The U.S. military did not announce new strikes on Friday and Saturday, marking a departure from 13 consecutive nights of attacks. This pause in hostilities comes as diplomatic efforts intensify to avert a full-scale war, though uncertainty persists regarding the conflict's future trajectory.
President Donald Trump has simultaneously threatened further strikes and indicated that talks are progressing, while downplaying concerns about rising gas prices impacting Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections. The potential visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington next week adds another layer of complexity, as Israel, a co-initiator of the war, has been absent from the recent U.S. attacks. Experts suggest that Israel's non-involvement might signal an intent to limit the conflict, but caution against reading too much into the lull, suggesting it could be an operational pause or a prelude to diplomacy.
Meanwhile, within Iran, the government is grappling with economic challenges, including high inflation and infrastructure damage. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani indicated that adjustments to subsidized petrol prices are likely necessary to manage gasoline consumption, a sensitive issue that previously led to widespread protests in 2019.