U.S. pauses attacks on Iran for a second straight day and Tehran does too

CAIRO — The United States paused its attacks on Iran for a second straight day Sunday and Tehran said it had done so too, as efforts continued to bring the countries back to negotiations on an interim ceasefire deal largely undermined by recent exchanges of fire.

A regional official involved in mediation efforts said diplomacy was underway and that a pause in U.S. and Iranian strikes was a 'positive signal that helps their efforts to de-escalate.' The official said both countries want to return to the interim ceasefire deal and that a compromise being negotiated centers on having Iran run vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz with fewer restrictions on ships.

Since the U.S. has halted attacks for the past two nights, Iran has as well, its army spokesperson told Iran's state TV on Sunday. Tehran in recent days has counterattacked against countries in the region hosting U.S. military forces, killing at least three at a base in Jordan.

Netanyahu on Sunday told Fox News he 'fully' backs Trump's efforts to weaken Iran and press it to end its nuclear program, adding: 'If he can do so without returning to intense military fighting, that's fine. Why not?' The prime minister indicated he would not present new information to 'our good friend' Trump and instead would listen to 'what he has in mind, because I think in many ways, it's his decision.'