Pause in Hormuz Clashes: US Weapon Stockpiles Depleted? Iran Claims Victory

Armed conflicts have entered a lull as the United States temporarily suspended its airstrikes against Iran, which have continued for two weeks, and Iran conditionally responded to the move.

While the two sides are reportedly leaning toward resuming negotiations through backchannel contacts, tensions remain high over the control of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the embers of conflict alive.

According to U.S. broadcaster CNN on the 26th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the suspension of airstrikes against Iran on the 24th.

A U.S. Department of Defense official told CNN that military operations against Iran have been "temporarily suspended."

Subsequently, the U.S. military halted its airstrikes that had continued for 13 consecutive days from the 11th to the 23rd, taking a breather.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz appeared on U.S. broadcaster NBC and said, "What the president is doing right now, as we have seen over time, is providing some breathing room for dialogue."

He added, "Negotiations are underway. They are taking place at all levels, from working-level officials to the highest levels."

Some foreign media outlets observed that the U.S. may have been practically forced to suspend airstrikes as its stockpiles of interceptor missiles rapidly depleted.

Although the U.S. Department of Defense dismissed concerns over weapon stockpiles, current and former defense officials have expressed anxiety over the depletion, "desperately" advocating for weapon replenishment, according to the U.S. daily The Washington Post (WP).

On the other hand, CNN reported that Iran is taking the U.S. suspension of airstrikes as a de facto "victory."

Amir Akraminia, spokesperson for the Iranian military, claimed in an interview with Iranian state TV that day, "The United States has failed to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz or weaken and destroy Iran's defensive capabilities," adding, "The United States is feeling fatigued in its strategic decision-making."

He then mentioned that the geographical scope of the war has expanded to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, noting that the Houthi rebels supported by Iran have declared a blockade against Saudi Arabian vessels.

At the same time, Iran announced that it has completely halted retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Given that Iran also suffered significant damage from the U.S. airstrikes over the past two weeks, it appears to be organizing its internal situation and regrouping its forces.

Iran is also maintaining its control over the Strait of Hormuz and has not lowered the intensity of its blockade.

According to shipping analytics firm Kpler, fewer than 10 commodity carriers passed through the Strait of Hormuz per day over the weekend.

While the U.S. and Iran have temporarily halted airstrikes, vessel operations appear to have decreased as concerns over maritime route safety persist.

On the 25th, only three vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz while operating with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned off.

However, cautious prospects are also being raised that the U.S. and Iran could resume talks as agreed upon when signing the previous memorandum of understanding (MOU).

According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with Austrian state broadcaster ORF that the exchange of messages between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the activities of mediator countries, are continuing.émor

Regarding the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered the military clashes between the U.S. and Iran, vice-ministerial talks between neighboring countries Iran and Oman have reportedly been held several times.

However, as uncertainties spread to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea where provocations by the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels have begun following the Strait of Hormuz, the embers of conflict remain present.

There is also a possibility that the U.S. may go on the offensive again once its interceptor missile stockpiles are replenished.

Iran is also reportedly experiencing internal confusion regarding dialogue with the U.S.

Ambassador Waltz said in his NBC interview that day, "One of the diplomatic challenges in negotiations with Iran is that the Iranian side is divided," adding, "Some want to follow the Supreme Leader's directions, while others want to move in different directions."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.