The Hindu is reporting that the United States paused its consecutive strikes on Iran on Saturday, July 25, after 13 nights of attacks. It said Tehran announced it would halt its retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in the region if the U.S. refrains from launching new attacks. Both nations acknowledged exchanging messages through mediators to re-establish a ceasefire, the first since the U.S. and Israel began the war Feb. 28.
The newspaper said a June 17 memorandum of understanding by Iran and the U.S., pledging mutual sovereignty respect and talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, failed to prevent renewed fighting within a month. It reported the U.S. initiated bombing over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international commercial chokepoint. Conflict arose after Iran opened a coastal route and the U.S. cleared an alternative along Oman’s coast, which Iran rejected. Iran attacked commercial vessels using the southern route, prompting U.S. attacks aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten shipping.
The Hindu said 13 nights of U.S. bombing, targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, did little to deter Iran’s blockade enforcement or counter-attacks. Iran targeted U.S. bases while maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, creating a dilemma for President Donald Trump. It reported Trump threatened to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants, and use frozen assets to compensate attacked tankers, but these actions did not deter Iran.
The newspaper also reported the Houthi decision to blockade Saudi Arabia further complicated matters for President Trump. It said Houthis bombed Saudi oil facilities last week following Saudi airstrikes on Yemen, causing oil prices to surge past $100. This blockade challenged Saudi oil exports, especially as the Strait of Hormuz closure had already forced much crude to Red Sea terminals. The Hindu had warned in a July 24 editorial that Trump was caught in an "escalation trap" set by Iran and its regional allies. It cited U.S. media reports on a depletion of America’s munitions and air defense missiles, with top generals and intelligence warning against further escalation. Faced with limited options, Trump shifted back to diplomacy.
Separately, The Hindu is reporting that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia announced a civil nuclear agreement, only for President Trump to cast doubt on it hours later. It said the deal would help Saudi Arabia develop its nuclear program and allow for enrichment on Saudi soil. However, Trump subsequently stated the deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords. The White House indicated the deal would be off if Saudi Arabia did not normalize ties with Israel. Riyadh, which had been open to the Abraham Accords before the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, now requires a pathway for an independent Palestinian state before recognizing Israel.