Axios: Regional efforts to de-escalate behind the decision not to launch new US strikes on Iran

Axios reported, citing a U.S. official, that the U.S. military’s decision not to carry out new strikes against Iran on Thursday resulted from regional efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two sides, as diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis continued.

CNN reported, citing U.S. officials, that U.S. forces remain on standby to carry out strikes against Iran if necessary, but priority in the current phase is being given to the diplomatic track.

A U.S. official confirmed that mediators are continuing their efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran, while Reuters quoted a U.S. official as saying the United States remains committed to finding a solution and that technical talks between the two sides are ongoing.

In the same vein, a U.S. official told Al Jazeera that U.S. forces had not carried out any attacks inside Iran in recent hours.

This comes after Iranian media reported hearing explosions in various areas, with no official confirmation issued regarding their causes or nature.