U.S. military suspends strikes on Iran: Top general says operation has reached its effectiveness limit, Trump faces choice between escalation or diplomacy.

U.S. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper stated that current U.S. military operations against Iran have reached their "effectiveness ceiling" and recommended halting airstrikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz. Reports say Cooper’s assessment influenced U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military operations. Since last Friday, the U.S. has not launched new attacks, and Iran has also suspended military operations targeting Gulf region sites. It is reported that the U.S. military had carried out strikes against Iran for nearly two weeks, significantly weakening Iran’s military deployments around the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said the U.S. stockpile of interceptor missiles is declining, which could affect the U.S.’ ability to protect its own and allied positions. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the ceasefire is aimed at "making space for diplomacy." He noted that Trump had previously tried diplomatic channels and now wants to give negotiations another chance. Separately, CBS reported that Iranian officials and Omani counterparts are negotiating to revive the ceasefire agreement and have made progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. and the U.K. plan to hold a high-level meeting to discuss forming an international coalition to safeguard shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reported that the meeting is expected to take place in London, with U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth, Dan Caine, and other officials likely to attend. However, some countries have stated they will only consider joining the associated escort coalition after hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz cease. The Trump administration is still facing a critical choice between further military escalation, maintaining the ceasefire, or pushing for a diplomatic resolution.