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New Delhi: America and Iran did not attack each other for the second consecutive day on Sunday. The blockage, which came after nearly two weeks of tension, was seen by mediators as an opportunity to get the interim ceasefire deal back on track. However, major issues regarding nuclear program and waterways are still not resolved.

Why the attacks stopped is not clear yet!   

Tensions began in mid-June, when Iran fired on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. After this there was retaliatory action from both the sides. Under the interim deal signed in June, a time limit of 60 days was fixed, and its second part is currently underway. The Pentagon did not comment on Sunday as to why the US suddenly stopped its attacks.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said, "President Donald Trump wants a diplomatic solution. But if Iran carries out terrorist activities in Hormuz or against its allies, all options are open. It would be better for Iran to work toward an agreement. Otherwise he knows the consequences."  

An Iranian military spokesman said on state TV that America had stopped attacks the last two nights, so Iran had also stopped them. Recently, Iran had retaliated against countries where US military bases are located. At least 3 people were killed in an attack on a base in Jordan.

Mediators’ efforts intensified   

A regional official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the pause in attacks "Positive sign that helps reduce stress". Both countries want to return to the interim ceasefire. The focus of the talks is for Iran to manage the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz with fewer restrictions.

Iran said it was talking with Oman about securing shipping from Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said that talks have made progress and are continuing. Tehran says that under the interim agreement it is currently allowed to manage shipping there.

The US military said on Saturday that the naval blockade against Iran continues. Under this, the path of 12 commercial ships was changed, 2 were stopped and 2 were captured. The army said that it "fully alert and ready" Is.

Bab el-Mandeb and oil concerns   

There is also concern about the Strait of Hormuz as well as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait leading to the Red Sea. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen last week threatened to block the movement of Saudi ships. Rising petrol prices have increased pressure on global energy supplies.

Netanyahu’s visit to Washington  

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Trump in Washington on Tuesday. They last met in February, just weeks before the war with Iran. Netanyahu told Fox News that he supports Trump’s efforts to weaken Iran and end its nuclear program. "completely" stands by.

He said it would be better if this happens without heavy military conflict. But also warned that if Iran attacks again, directly or through proxy, "he will make a big mistake". For now, the halt in attacks has created space for diplomacy, but key issues like Iran’s nuclear program and the security of waterways are still pending.