US Pauses Strikes Against Iran Following Commander's Strategic Advice

President Donald Trump ordered a pause in US strikes against Iran on July 24, 2026, after 13 consecutive nights of bombing since the conflict began on February 28.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the top US commander in the Middle East, advised the halt after concluding that 80% of designated targets had been exhausted and the campaign reached its effectiveness limit.

General Dan Caine warned the White House of a critical shortage of air defence interceptors, further influencing the decision to shift from military action to ongoing diplomatic talks.