US Delays Strikes to Allow Room for Diplomacy, Media Reports

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions between the United States and Iran are under way behind the scenes, CNN reported on Friday, citing a number of US officials.

One official said Washington had deliberately adopted a pattern of launching strikes and then halting them temporarily in order to prevent escalation and give room for diplomatic channels.

According to the official, the United States also continues to maintain a list of targets as a bargaining tool in the negotiation process.

Several other officials said preparations for a possible US military strike on Friday night were still being carried out. For now, however, Washington has chosen to prioritise diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, operating in the Arabian Sea, flight crews were arming fighter jets and pilots were conducting training in preparation for strike missions should they be required at any moment.

The carrier’s commander also told thousands of crew members that tensions in the region continued to rise and stressed the importance of readiness, in line with standard procedure applicable in such situations.

Amid these preparations, fighter pilots continued routine defensive patrols, flying a number of missions both day and night.

US officials also denied Iran’s claim that the United States had launched a fresh strike on Friday night.

Nevertheless, they said the situation remained highly dynamic and strikes could resume if deemed necessary.