Trump Halts Iran Bombing After Two Weeks; Talks Resume July 28

President Donald Trump halted a 13-day bombing campaign against Iran over the weekend, citing military advice that the operation had reached its limits. Both the US and Iran have paused attacks for three days. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are now attempting to revive a ceasefire deal that collapsed after the two sides exchanged fire, with negotiations focusing on control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Why Trump stopped the bombing

Trump’s military commanders advised him the bombing had run out of targets, according to a US official. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed concern about depleting air defence weapons protecting US bases in the region. The campaign had targeted Iranian coastal areas and infrastructure over 13 successive nights after Iran fired on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

What both sides are saying now

Trump told reporters on Monday that “very friendly negotiations” are happening with Iran and that “good things can happen.” However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Iran has not asked to resume talks and rejected an American proposal. Iran said it will pause its own attacks as long as the US pause continues.

Oil markets react to ceasefire hopes

Brent crude fell 5.7% to AUD 91.30 per barrel on Sunday, while US crude dropped 5.4% to AUD 84.43 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil supply. Mediators believe a breakthrough is near, though Iran maintains it still controls the strait and scattered drone attacks by Iran-backed militias continue across the region.

What happens if talks fail

Trump warned he is ready for “strong military action” if negotiations collapse and said the window for talks is short. He told Israel’s Channel 12 that Iran is now “8% of what they were four months ago” following the bombing campaign. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the Iran situation.

Final Thoughts

The pause in fighting opens a narrow window for diplomacy, but deep disagreements remain over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear programme. Oil prices have already fallen on ceasefire hopes, but the fragile truce could unravel quickly if negotiations stall.

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