**Iran to Halt Strikes Until US Bombing Pause Ends**
In a move aimed at easing tensions with the United States, Iran announced on Tuesday that it will suspend its missile strikes against American targets until a proposed ceasefire holds.
The decision comes after weeks of intense diplomatic efforts between Iranian and Western officials. The talks were facilitated by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which has been working to broker a resolution to the crisis.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi Aghdam, stated that “the US bombing pause is a temporary measure” and that it will only be lifted if all parties agree on a ceasefire. The Iranian government also emphasized its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The proposed ceasefire was first announced in late January by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a visit to Tehran. However, Iran has since rejected the proposal, citing concerns over the potential consequences for regional stability and the rights of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Iran’s missile strikes have been aimed at targets in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen. The attacks have resulted in significant damage to civilian infrastructure and sparked widespread condemnation from other countries.
The US has also imposed economic sanctions on Iran in response to its nuclear program and support for terrorism. However, these measures are set to expire at the end of March unless new agreements can be reached with Tehran.
Iran’s decision to halt strikes is seen as a significant concession by the Iranian government, which had been demanding greater concessions from the US before agreeing to suspend its missile attacks. The move has also raised hopes that other countries may follow suit and seek to ease tensions in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to negotiate and make demands for concessions. However, it appears that a ceasefire is still on the table, at least temporarily.
**Background**
Tensions between Iran and the US have been escalating since January 2020 when the US withdrew from an international deal aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The deal was later replaced by new sanctions imposed by the US and its allies.
In response to these developments, Iran has increased its military presence along the border with Iraq and has begun to deploy more advanced missile systems into Iranian territory.
**Sources**
* Reuters: “Iran says it will halt strikes as long as US bombing pause holds”
* OSCE: “Statement on Ceasefire Proposal in Middle East Conflict”
Based on reporting from Reuters.
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