The United States and Iran have halted military strikes against each other for a second straight day, raising cautious hopes that ongoing mediation efforts could revive negotiations over a fragile interim ceasefire agreement.

Military Operations Remain on Hold

Neither Washington nor Tehran launched attacks overnight, following nearly two weeks of escalating hostilities triggered by clashes over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon did not explain the pause, while the White House said President Donald Trump continues to favor a diplomatic solution but remains prepared to use military force if Iran threatens shipping or U.S. allies.

Iran's military also confirmed that it has suspended attacks during the same period.

Mediation Efforts Continue

Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and other regional actors remain underway, although officials have not disclosed the current status of negotiations.

A regional official involved in the talks said the pause in hostilities is a positive development that could help reduce tensions and encourage both sides to return to the interim ceasefire agreement reached in June.

According to the official, discussions are focused on allowing Iran to oversee vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz while easing restrictions on commercial shipping.

Shipping Routes Remain Under Pressure

Iran said it continues discussions with Oman on ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran maintains that the interim agreement gives it authority to manage shipping in the waterway and has opposed U.S. efforts to promote an alternative route closer to Omani waters.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said its renewed naval blockade of Iran remains in effect, adding that several commercial vessels have been redirected, disabled, or boarded during enforcement operations.

Concerns have also expanded to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis threatened to block Saudi-linked shipping, adding further pressure on global energy markets.

Nuclear Talks Still Unresolved

Although the 60-day interim agreement signed in mid-June remains in effect, negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, the central issue behind the crisis, have yet to resume as mediators focus on preventing renewed military escalation.

Netanyahu to Visit Washington

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Tuesday for talks with President Trump.

The meeting comes months after the two leaders last met before the outbreak of the conflict with Iran.

Meanwhile, tensions also persist along Israel's northern border, where the conflict involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah group continues despite ongoing U.S.-backed efforts to stabilize the situation through direct Lebanon-Israel negotiations.