U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the Hormuz operation has been temporarily paused as the United States and Iran engage in ongoing diplomatic discussions, according to a live report from Al Jazeera.

U.S. and Iran in Direct Communication

Trump stated during a press briefing that the pause in the Hormuz operation is a result of the recent communication between U.S. and Iranian officials; the two sides have been in contact for several weeks in an effort to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Strategic Pause Amid Diplomatic Efforts

The Hormuz operation. Which involves U.S. military activities near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, has been a focal point in the ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff — the operation includes naval patrols and the monitoring of Iranian military movements in the area. Trump emphasized that the pause does not mean the operation is being abandoned, but rather that it is being put on hold to allow for further talks.

According to the White House. The decision to pause the Hormuz operation was made in coordination with the U.S; Department of Defense and the Central Command. The pause is expected to last for the next 14 to 21 days, during which time U.S. military assets will continue to monitor the area from a distance.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that it has received the message from the United States and is reviewing the terms of the pause, but the ministry said it remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Regional Security Concerns

Analysts said the pause in the Hormuz operation is a significant step toward de-escalation, particularly given the recent incidents in the region; In the past month, there have been several reports of Iranian vessels approaching U.S. military ships in the Gulf, raising concerns about a potential clash.

Trump said the U.S. military will continue to maintain a presence in the region to ensure the safety of international shipping lanes, but that the nature of the operation will change during the pause. Instead of aggressive patrols. The U.S. will focus on intelligence-gathering and surveillance to assess the situation in the area.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has also expressed a willingness to engage in direct talks with the U.S. administration. He said in a recent speech that his country is open to dialogue as long as it is conducted on equal terms and without preconditions. Rouhani also reiterated Iran’s commitment to its nuclear program and its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. is prepared to hold direct talks with Iranian officials if they are willing to discuss the full range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and regional activities. Pompeo said the U.S. is not looking for a short-term agreement but rather a broad solution that addresses all aspects of the U.S.-Iran relationship.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been less optimistic about the talks, saying that any agreement must be based on mutual respect and that the U.S. must first address its past actions in the region. Khamenei has been a vocal critic of the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and has called for the U.S. to lift all sanctions against Iran before any new agreement can be considered.

Despite the pause in the Hormuz operation, there are still concerns about the potential for further escalation. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any disruption to the flow of oil through the strait could have major economic consequences. The U.S. has been working with regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to ensure the continued flow of oil and to deter any Iranian attempts to block the strait.

Trump said the U.S. is prepared to take military action if necessary to protect its interests and the interests of its allies. However, he added that the U.S. prefers to resolve the issue through diplomacy. The president also reiterated his criticism of the previous administration’s nuclear deal with Iran, calling it a “disaster” that emboldened Iran to pursue more aggressive policies.

As the U.S. and Iran continue their discussions, the international community is watching closely. The European Union has called for a peaceful resolution to the tensions and has urged both sides to exercise restraint. China and Russia have also weighed in, with both countries calling for a negotiated solution and warning against any military escalation in the region.