Iran halts strikes as Trump pauses bombing, opens door for talks

Tehran halts operations, calls for de-escalation

Iran announced a halt to its military strikes on Monday, marking the first significant pause in hostilities since the conflict escalated weeks ago. A statement from Tehran said it "decides when the conflict ends," adding that the United States appears "stuck" in the region.

The development comes after Washington signalled a willingness to step back from direct confrontation. The Trump administration had paused its bombing campaign, with officials saying the move was meant to "give space" for diplomatic channels to open.

Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint

Despite the halt in strikes, Iran asserted that it still controls the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. A senior Iranian military official said the strait remains under Tehran's operational command, and that any talks with the US would not include discussions on the waterway.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking direct negotiations with Washington. On Monday, Tehran said the US is "not part" of ongoing discussions with Oman regarding the Hormuz situation. The Gulf state of Oman has been acting as a mediator between the two sides.

Mediated talks continue, but no breakthrough yet

India Today reported that talks between the US and Iran continue through mediators, with the pause in bombing holding for now. Both sides have described the channel as indirect, with Omani officials shuttling messages between Tehran and Washington.

Al Jazeera quoted an Iranian official as saying, "The ball is in Washington's court," while Reuters noted that the US has not confirmed any substantive progress. Analysts say the situation remains fragile, with neither side willing to make the first major concession.

Regional and global implications

The pause has brought some relief to global markets, with oil prices stabilising after weeks of volatility. However, shipping lines continue to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, and insurance premiums for vessels in the Gulf remain high.

India, which imports a large portion of its crude oil from the region, is monitoring the situation closely. New Delhi has not issued a formal statement, but diplomatic sources say the government is in touch with both Iran and the US through backchannels.

What to watch: Whether the pause holds beyond the next 48 hours. Both sides have set preconditions for any formal talks, and a single incident in the Gulf could unravel the fragile calm.