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 amid heightened tensions following weeks of military confrontations, with Iran expressing skepticism about the permanence of the ceasefire. The situation unfolded as part of a broader effort to de-escalate the crisis, though trust remains low between the two powers. The pause in attacks marks the third consecutive day of restraint since President Donald Trump ordered a suspension of U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian assets. This decision, announced late on Friday, created a brief window for diplomatic engagement. No new strikes were reported over the weekend, signaling a rare moment of calm in a conflict that has drawn international attention. The move was described by U.S. officials as an attempt to provide space for dialogue, though the effectiveness of this pause remains uncertain. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that messages are still being exchanged between Tehran and Washington via intermediaries, indicating that backchannel diplomacy continues. However, he emphasized that Iran views the current lull as conditional, not permanent. In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Baghaei criticized the United States for failing to uphold its commitments during the negotiation process. He pointed to the U.S. launching additional strikes before the 30-day deadline set under a Memorandum of Understanding, which required ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei claimed this was used as a pretext for renewed attacks, marking the third instance in the past year where Iran felt betrayed by U.S. actions during peace talks. U.S. officials have expressed their commitment to diplomacy while maintaining military pressure. Speaking to Fox News, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz noted that President Trump intended to create room for discussions before making further decisions. A senior White House advisor echoed this sentiment, stating that the administration remains open to dialogue but has demonstrated the consequences of non-cooperation. “He has always been clear that his preference is diplomacy,” the official said, “but he has shown Iran what will happen if they fail to come to the table in a serious way.” Internal pressures within the Trump administration have contributed to the decision to halt airstrikes. Reports from CNN and The New York Times suggest that top military leaders, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, raised concerns about the sustainability of the campaign. Caine noted that stocks of Patriot air defense systems had been significantly reduced due to repeated engagements across the region. Similarly, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, advised ending the bombing campaign near the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that most key targets had already been neutralized. Cooper suggested that continued strikes would yield diminishing returns unless a broader offensive was planned. Iran’s military restraint appears to hinge on the U.S. maintaining its own pause in attacks. A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, stressed that Tehran’s policy of retaliation is tied directly to Washington’s actions. “Iran's position remains ‘attack for attack’: if they are attacked, they will respond proportionally,” the official said. This stance reflects a broader pattern of mutual suspicion, with both sides wary of the other’s intentions. While the current pause offers a chance for dialogue, the underlying mistrust suggests that lasting resolution may remain elusive.