A service member stands guard aboard a US naval vessel in this screen grab from a handout video released by the US Central Command on Saturday, which the command said showed operations enforcing its naval blockade against Iran. AFP
The United States has paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of escalating bombardment, while diplomatic efforts have gained momentum in an attempt to prevent the conflict from spiraling back into all-out war. However, experts said the prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain bleak.
The US military said on Saturday its naval blockade against Iran "remains in full effect" but did not explain why it halted 13 consecutive nights of escalating strikes.
There were also no weekend reports of attacks by Iran on neighbors, similar to its daily rejoinders to the US attacks.
Asked about the pause, a senior US official said US President Donald Trump "has always been clear that his preference is diplomacy, but he has shown Iran what will happen if they fail to come to the table in a serious way".
