US, Iran Strikes Appear to Halt After 13 Days

Strikes between the US and Iran appear to have halted after nearly two consecutive weeks of mutual attacks. Iran's Health Ministry spokesperson, Hossein Kermanpour, posted on X that "Iran had a peaceful night," with no attacks reported. The US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment but, unlike the previous 13 nights, did not announce new strikes.

Tensions in the region, however, remain high. Sirens sounded early Saturday in Saudi Arabia's Yanbu and Jizan provinces due to a "potential danger" that was later lifted, likely caused by missile fire from Yemen. Bahrain also sounded missile alerts, but no casualties were reported.

The conflict has centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for world energy supplies. The US military fired on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Friday that was attempting to breach its renewed blockade of Iran's ports, while Iran targeted US-allied Gulf Arab countries.

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he had not yet decided whether to launch major strikes on Iran, as Tehran was becoming "serious" in talks with Washington. Trump indicated that Iran had a choice between making a deal or facing a "much higher level" of strikes.

Meanwhile, the conflict showed signs of intensifying in Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea this week, prompting Saudi Arabia to strike the port city of Hodeida in Yemen. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied Iranian involvement in the escalating Yemen conflict and called for dialogue. The conflict has resulted in over 3,400 deaths in Iran, 18 US service members and 24 civilians in Israel, and over 4,000 in Lebanon, along with 38 Israeli troops after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired at Israel. Israel reports killing over 2,500 Hezbollah operatives.

Source: The Times of Israel