International Watch: US Halts Airstrikes on Iran After 13 Days as Ammunition Shortage Resurfaces

Although the U.S. Department of War (i.e., Defense Department) hoped to increase the intensity of bombing against Iran, President Trump did not approve the plan. After 13 consecutive days of bombing, Washington has temporarily halted airstrikes.

A senior U.S. official stated that President Trump has "consistently made clear his preference for diplomatic means, but he has also made clear to Iran what will happen if they do not take returning to the negotiating table seriously." The U.S. military issued a statement saying the maritime blockade against Iran "remains in effect."

According to AFP citing U.S. media reports, Washington's concerns over ammunition expenditure and insufficient stockpiles are also limiting plans to escalate the war. Nevertheless, the temporary calm has reignited hopes for a resumption of negotiations.

CNN reported that U.S. Vice President Vance expressed concern over the escalating situation during a White House meeting last Friday (July 24).

President Trump said at a press conference last Friday that he has not yet decided whether to resume full-scale military operations. He said, "We are currently communicating with them. I think their attitude is becoming increasingly serious." Trump stated that Iran faces two choices: either reach an agreement or face "higher intensity" attacks.

This war, which the U.S. president initially predicted would last only four or five weeks, has now entered its fifth month. With the November U.S. midterm elections approaching, the conflict is increasingly negatively affecting Republican support, forcing President Trump to handle decisions on escalating the war with caution.

According to Axios, the Pentagon has submitted a plan to the president to further intensify airstrikes, but Trump rejected approval, instead favoring pushing negotiations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it intercepted four vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours. Tehran's blockade of this waterway remains one of the core focal points of conflict between Iran and the U.S.

Meanwhile, the front line has extended from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea coast. Yemen-based Houthi militants claimed Saturday to have attacked Saudi Aramco facilities in Jizan and Yanbu.

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