Trump pauses bombings as Iran vows attacks until 'total surrender'

President Donald Trump ordered a pause in US bombings on Iran after nearly 14 consecutive days of strikes, according to Axios and Israeli officials, to give diplomacy more room Source: Milenio, citing Axios and KAN. However, Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohamad Baqer Zolqadr, declared that attacks on US interests will continue "until the total surrender of the enemy" Source: Infobae, DiarioLibre.

Pause in US Bombings

Trump's decision, reported Friday, came as he weighed a "massive attack" and amid reports that Israeli officials expected a powerful US bombing that night Source: Milenio. Iran's health minister noted a quiet night with no attacks Source: Milenio. The pause follows two weeks of escalating conflict that began when Trump ended a June ceasefire after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz Source: DiarioLibre.

Iran's Defiant Stance

Zolqadr, who replaced Ali Lariyani after his death in airstrikes, said attacks would continue until avenging the blood of innocent children, specifically 168 minors killed in a school strike in Minab on February 28 Source: Emol. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed drone strikes on US bases in Bahrain and Jordan, while Jordan reported intercepting seven missiles and six drones Source: El Nacional, Listín Diario.

Diplomatic Maneuvers

The US and UK plan a meeting in London next week to form a coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with a European diplomat noting "Americans are looking for a way out and want our help" Source: DiarioLibre, Listín Diario. Egypt called for an immediate ceasefire and preservation of maritime security Source: Infobae. Separately, Pakistan is mediating with Chinese backing, as China expresses discontent over Iran's attacks affecting its interests Source: Excélsior.

Economic Fallout

Oil prices breached $100 per barrel, a level not seen since May, and only 15% of normal shipping traffic transits the Strait of Hormuz Source: La Voz, La Vanguardia. Houthi militants in Yemen, backed by Iran, attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening a second vital waterway Source: La Vanguardia, ABC.