The U.S. military paused its airstrikes against Iran Sunday as the nearly five-month conflict entered a quiet stretch amid mounting reports that dwindling munitions reserves are constraining plans for further escalation.
The lull has revived hopes of a return to negotiations after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly U.S. bombardments, although U.S. media reported the pause could also reflect pressure on stockpiles of Patriot interceptors and other defensive weapons.
Fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz derailed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, but the conflict then expanded beyond the vital energy corridor to include attacks on U.S. bases, regional shipping and Gulf allies.
Iran's army warned Sunday that the war would widen even further if the U.S. chose to press ahead with attacks, ahead of a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington Tuesday.
"If the Americans once again fall for the Zionists' deception, or move in line with them, and insist on continuing the war, particularly through airstrikes, geographically this will expand further," army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia told state television.
