Trump halts fresh strikes on Iran amid U.S. missile stock worries

President Donald Trump halted new strikes on Iran after 13 days of attacks, amid Pentagon concerns that a larger operation would drain U.S. air defense missile stockpiles. The New York Times and Axios reported that Trump had considered escalating the campaign but put it off after a meeting with senior advisers on Friday. CBS, cited by Antara, said the pause was also intended to avoid disrupting direct talks between Iran and Oman. According to Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several rounds of dialogue on 24-25 July in Teheran covered broad principles and practical mechanisms to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials also worried escalation could trigger Iranian retaliation, strain ties with Gulf allies and unsettle global energy and the economy.