US Delays Strikes to Allow Room for Diplomacy, Media Reports

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran are taking place behind the scenes, CNN reported on Friday, citing several US officials. One official said Washington is deliberately adopting a pattern of launching strikes and then pausing them to prevent escalation and allow room for diplomacy. According to the official, the United States is also maintaining a list of targets as a bargaining tool in the negotiation process. Other officials said preparations for possible US military strikes on Friday evening were still underway. However, for the time being, Washington is choosing to prioritise diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln operating in the Arabian Sea, flight crews were arming fighter jets and pilots were conducting drills in preparation for potential strike missions. The carrier’s commander also informed thousands of crew members that tensions in the region are rising and stressed the importance of readiness, in line with standard procedures for such situations. Amid the preparations, fighter jet pilots continued routine defensive patrols, flying several missions during both day and night. US officials also denied Iranian claims that the United States had launched another attack on Friday evening. Nevertheless, they said the situation remains highly dynamic and strikes could resume if deemed necessary.