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. The fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran is holding despite continued attacks. President Donald Trump announced the pause to give negotiators time to finalize a potential agreement.