WASHINGTON / TEHRAN – The United States and Iran have mutually suspended direct military strikes, establishing a tense three-day pause brokered by Oman to clear a path for backchannel diplomatic talks. President Donald Trump confirmed the temporary halt but warned that American forces remain postured to resume offensive actions immediately if negotiations stall. Despite the tactical pause, the Persian Gulf remains on a knife-edge as Iran continues to detain commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, while allied Houthi and Iraqi militias maintain low-level drone strikes against Western regional partners.