Talks with US continue through mediators, says Iran as pause in bombing holds

Iran has confirmed that indirect communications with the United States are continuing through mediators, as both nations observe a pause in hostilities. This development comes as Iran insists the current ceasefire is conditional, not permanent, and underscores the fragile state of relations between the two nuclear powers. The pause in attacks marks the third consecutive day of restraint since President Donald Trump announced a halt to US airstrikes targeting Iranian assets. The continuation of backchannel dialogue between Tehran and Washington signals that diplomatic avenues remain open, even as tensions persist. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that messages are still being exchanged between the two capitals via intermediaries, though he expressed skepticism about the sincerity of American intentions. According to Baghaei, Iran has met its obligations under a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the security of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, yet the US allegedly launched strikes before the agreed deadline, using shipping incidents as justification. He described this as the third instance in the past year where Iran’s diplomatic efforts were allegedly betrayed by American attacks during negotiations. Trump’s decision to suspend US airstrikes appears to have created an opportunity for renewed diplomatic engagement. The pause, which began late on Friday, has allowed both sides to step back from direct military confrontations. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz explained that the move was intended to provide space for discussions before the administration decides on its next steps. “He's giving talks some space, he's giving it a little bit of room,” Waltz told Fox News. A senior White House official echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while diplomacy remains the preferred option, the administration has demonstrated its readiness to impose consequences should Iran fail to engage seriously. Internal warnings within the Trump administration suggest the pause reflects growing concerns about the sustainability of the military campaign. Reports from CNN and The New York Times cite General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who noted that stocks of Patriot air defense systems had been severely depleted due to sustained attacks on US and allied forces. Axios further reported that Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of Central Command, recommended ending the bombing campaign near the Strait of Hormuz, stating that most targeted sites had already been hit and that continued strikes would yield limited strategic gains unless a broader offensive was planned. The period of restraint has also coincided with a shift in posture from both sides. Senior Iranian officials have indicated that their willingness to exercise self-restraint is contingent upon the US maintaining its own pause in aerial operations. An unnamed Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran’s policy of “attack for attack” remains in effect, meaning that any resumption of hostilities could trigger a proportional response. This stance highlights the precarious balance of power and the mutual distrust that continues to define the relationship between the two nations. As the situation unfolds, the outcome of these indirect talks will likely determine whether the current truce can be extended or if the cycle of escalation resumes. With military options still on the table and diplomatic channels operating in parallel, the coming days will be critical in shaping the trajectory of the conflict. For now, the pause in hostilities offers a rare moment of calm amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.