Behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are underway to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, with Washington temporarily holding off on further military action to allow negotiations to continue, CNN reported on Friday, citing US officials.
According to the report, the US has adopted a strategy of carrying out limited strikes followed by pauses to avoid further escalation while maintaining military pressure. One official said Washington continues to keep a list of potential targets as leverage during diplomatic efforts.
Several US officials told CNN that preparations remain in place for possible strikes if the situation deteriorates, but “for now, diplomacy is taking the lead.”
Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea, flight crews continued arming fighter aircraft and conducting training missions, while the carrier’s captain reportedly told sailors that regional tensions were rising and stressed the need to remain prepared.
US officials also rejected Iranian claims that additional American strikes had already taken place on Friday, describing the reports as inaccurate, while cautioning that the situation remains fluid and military action could resume if necessary.