U.S. Extends Hormuz Strike Pause After Military Advice

U.S. forces held fire against Iran for a second straight night while Iran also paused attacks, as Washington weighed military advice on whether continued bombing around the Strait of Hormuz would remain effective. Two people familiar with Adm. Brad Cooper's position said the CENTCOM chief advised officials that two weeks of strikes had significantly degraded Iran's ability to attack ships and largely exhausted designated targets. He said renewed major combat could address the remaining 20% of Operation Epic Fury targets, but saw no purpose in continuing the existing pattern without that decision. CENTCOM declined comment.