Trump suspends Iran strikes after 13 days, citing missile shortage as Saudi-Yemen clashes erupt

Ceasefire takes hold after 13 days of strikes

The United States and Iran ceased mutual strikes this weekend, bringing a halt to 13 days of American bombardments against Iranian targets. No military operations had been recorded since Friday evening, July 25, according to reports. The pause came despite President Donald Trump's statement on Friday that he was considering even larger bombardments against Iran. Both sides had been exchanging fire since the conflict reignited roughly two weeks ago, with the US launching airstrikes and Iran responding with its own attacks, though the full scope of Iranian operations remains unclear. The lull offered a respite for both militaries and civilians caught in the crossfire, though it remained unclear how long the pause would last. Diplomatic channels were not mentioned in the reports, suggesting the halt was a unilateral operational decision rather than a negotiated truce.

Missile shortage prompts suspension

The suspension was driven by concerns over dwindling US missile stocks, Le Figaro reported. Trump's main advisers recommended he ease off, warning that continued strikes could deplete critical munitions. The exact inventory levels were not disclosed, but the fear of running out of missiles prompted the halt. The decision underscores the logistical challenges of sustaining a high-tempo air campaign, even for a military as well-resourced as the United States. The US has relied heavily on precision-guided munitions in the campaign, and the rapid expenditure raised alarms within the Pentagon. Without a resupply, the pace of operations was deemed unsustainable.

Advisers urge restraint after Trump's escalation threats

Throughout the previous week, Trump had signaled his intention to intensify military operations against Tehran. On Thursday, July 24, he mentioned a possible "attack", though details were not specified. However, his top advisers ultimately counseled a pause, leading to the weekend lull. The shift from threats of escalation to a ceasefire reflects the influence of military and strategic advisers who prioritized preserving missile stocks over immediate tactical gains. Trump's Friday threat of larger bombardments had raised fears of a major escalation, but the subsequent reversal indicated a pragmatic recalibration. The president's willingness to heed his advisers' counsel marked a departure from his earlier bellicose rhetoric.

Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control

Despite the two-week US campaign, Iran maintained its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. L'Opinion noted that the Iranian power's grip on the waterway remained intact, highlighting the limited impact of the strikes on Tehran's regional posture. The strait, through which a significant portion of the world's oil transits, has been a focal point of tensions, and Iran's continued dominance there poses a persistent challenge to US and allied interests. Iran's ability to maintain control over the strait despite sustained US strikes demonstrates the resilience of its coastal defenses and the difficulty of projecting power into the narrow waterway.

Saudi-Yemen clashes add to regional turmoil

As the US-Iran front quieted, Saudi Arabia and Yemen exchanged fire, Les Echos reported. The clashes added a new dimension to the Middle Eastern conflict, though details of the engagements were not immediately available. The simultaneous flare-up highlighted the broader instability gripping the region, with multiple flashpoints threatening to draw in more actors. The Saudi-led coalition has been battling Houthi rebels in Yemen for years, and the latest clashes may be linked to that ongoing war. However, the reports did not specify the nature of the engagements or the parties involved. The timing, just as the US-Iran front cooled, suggested a potential shift in focus or an opportunistic move by one side.