CNN: US pauses airstrikes on Iran to allow diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts are underway behind the scenes to ease tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict, a U.S. official said, as Washington balances military pressure with attempts to avoid escalation.

The United States has been deliberately conducting strikes and then pausing operations to allow space for diplomacy, the official said, adding that a target list is being maintained as leverage.

Multiple officials told CNN that preparations had been made for potential U.S. strikes later on July 10, but for now, diplomacy is being allowed to take the lead.

Earlier in the day, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, crews loaded fighter jets with armaments while pilots carried out drills in preparation for possible strikes.

The aircraft carrier’s captain told thousands of crew members that tensions were rising and urged them to maintain readiness. Alongside preparations for potential offensive operations, pilots also conducted routine defensive missions, with flights taking off throughout the day and night.

U.S. officials said Iranian claims that additional U.S. strikes had already taken place on the night of July 10 were inaccurate, though they emphasised that the situation remains fluid.

By Tamilla Hasanova