US Halts Strikes on Iran Amid Behind-the-Scenes Diplomatic Efforts
The United States has suspended its attacks on Iran, as diplomatic efforts are currently under way behind the scenes to defuse renewed tensions.
Washington and Tehran resumed attacking each other from Tuesday (7/7) through Thursday (9/7) local time. Both nations accused one another of violating the ceasefire agreement, and President Donald Trump even announced that the ceasefire had ended.
According to a report by leading US media outlet CNN, citing several Washington officials, as carried by Anadolu Agency and TRT World on Friday (10/7/2026), the US deliberately launched its attacks and then paused them temporarily to avoid further escalation.
The halt to the attacks, according to US official sources cited by CNN, was also intended to give diplomacy room to work.
Nevertheless, the US official sources added, Washington continues to hold a list of attack targets as a bargaining chip with Tehran.
Several US officials were reported as saying that preparations were under way for a potential new US attack, if required that night. However, according to those officials, Washington’s leadership is currently prioritising the diplomatic route.
Earlier on Friday (10/7), aboard the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, flight crews were reported to have armed fighter jets with weaponry, whilst pilots underwent training in preparation for possible new strike missions.
The carrier’s commander was reported to have informed the thousands of sailors on board about rising tensions in the region, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant, in accordance with standard procedures.
Alongside preparations for a potential attack, US fighter jet pilots continued routine defensive operations, launching operational flights both during the day and at night.
Despite this, US officials stated that Iranian claims of additional US attacks during the night were inaccurate. However, according to those officials, the situation is dynamic, and attacks could resume if necessary.