politics
U.S. Holds Off on Full-Scale Strikes Against Iran
The U.S. conducted one-off strikes after reported violations of a memorandum of understanding but declined to resume full-scale military operations. Officials weighed the risk that expanded strikes could end diplomatic efforts to limit Iran's nuclear program.
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U.S. forces carried out limited strikes on Iranian targets after reported violations of a memorandum of understanding, while officials decided against resuming broader military operations. The decision followed multiple discussions between senior defense officials and military leaders about whether to abandon negotiations.
Officials concluded that another round of large-scale strikes could remove the chance to reach limits on Iran's nuclear activities.
Strikes remain limited to specific sites tied to reported violations. The approach continues the pattern observed over the weekend. U.S. forces have struck more than 13,000 targets in Iran since February, according to reporting from the Wall Street Journal.
Negotiations are allowed to continue past the August 18 deadline. Officials stated that extending talks gives both sides additional time to address remaining issues. Iran seeks billions of dollars in transit fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and has not accepted strict limits on its nuclear program.
The U.S. maintains that the strait must remain open without such fees. " — Wall Street Journal reporting The same reporting noted that the strait the U.S. sought to keep open remains central to the current restraint on further escalation.
