US ‘locked and loaded’ for ‘much higher’ strikes if Iran talks fail as Trump pauses Hormuz ops

The US has paused naval escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz to allow negotiations with Iran to continue, but warned that failure to reach a deal would result in a significantly escalated bombing campaign. President Donald Trump announced the pause, while maintaining that the US naval blockade would remain in place. The conflict could soon come to an end if Iran agrees to the terms under discussion.