Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of escalating attacks, while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a full-scale war. President Trump has signaled both potential for further strikes and ongoing negotiations, with uncertainty surrounding the conflict's trajectory. The situation involves discussions about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, and the potential involvement of Israel.

The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of escalation, while diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a full-scale war. President Trump has issued conflicting statements, threatening further strikes while acknowledging ongoing talks. Israel's potential involvement and Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz remain key factors in the conflict.

The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of escalation, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent a full-scale war. Uncertainty remains about whether the conflict, marked by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and soaring oil prices, will de-escalate or intensify, particularly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington.

The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after two weeks of intensified bombing, while diplomatic efforts aim to prevent a return to full-scale war. Uncertainty remains about whether this pause signals a potential de-escalation or a temporary operational halt, with mediation focusing on resolving control of the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's absence from recent attacks and its planned visit to the U.S. add to the complexity of the situation.

The article outlines key US military bases in the Middle East under Centcom, including Bahrain hosting the Fifth Fleet, Iraq's Erbil and al-Harir bases, Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, and Kuwait's facilities. It notes Iran's targeting of these bases and their roles in logistics, refueling, and combat operations. Attacks on US facilities in Iraq and Jordan have resulted in casualties.

President Donald Trump claims the ceasefire with Iran is over, approves new military strikes, and expresses uncertainty about pursuing a deal. Mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are working to salvage the interim agreement amid rising tensions over attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear program discussions.

An interim US-Iran deal aims to initiate 60 days of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, a key issue left unresolved. The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Iran, but skepticism persists about its feasibility and effectiveness in curbing nuclear activities.

An interim U.S.-Iran deal aims to address Tehran's nuclear program over a 60-day negotiation period, including financial incentives and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Skepticism persists from lawmakers, experts, and Israel, with concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions and the administration's ability to sustain negotiations. The Trump administration emphasizes conditional incentives tied to Iran's actions, but doubts remain about the deal's viability.

President Donald Trump alternated between launching military strikes against Iranian targets and signaling willingness to negotiate a deal, testing Iran's response. He canceled planned strikes after claiming high-level Iranian engagement, while threatening future actions against Iran's energy infrastructure.

The article discusses the implications of the recent escalation between Iran and Israel on regional issues, featuring analysis from Miad Maleki and David Makovsky on how this conflict affects peace efforts in the Middle East.

Noam Raydan shares a map detailing attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the Iran war began. The map is part of a discussion on CBS News 24/7. The attacks have been tracked by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Iran has granted field commanders in Iraq greater autonomy over militias, allowing some groups to operate independently amid war pressures. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on seven commanders from four Iran-backed militias, highlighting tensions as decentralized control escalates attacks on U.S. assets.

The U.S. is preparing to counter Iran’s fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz using tactics tested in drug-trafficking vessel strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Since 2025, U.S. forces have conducted dozens of strikes against drug boats, killing over 160 people, with President Trump explicitly linking these methods to potential actions against Iranian vessels. The Trump administration’s blockade of Iranian ports has intensified tensions as Iran’s remaining fast-attack boat fleet poses a strategic threat.

The U.S. is preparing to counter Iran's fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz using tactics tested in strikes against drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Since September 2025, U.S. forces have conducted deadly operations against cartel-linked boats, killing over 160 people, and President Trump has explicitly warned of applying similar 'kill' tactics to Iranian vessels. The Trump administration's blockade of Iranian ports has intensified tensions, as Iran's remaining naval threat focuses on small, fast-moving boats.