US Shifts to Diplomacy After Targeted Strikes Amid Rising Iran Tensions

Following a quiet night without reported American strikes, a US official told CNN on Friday that behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions with Iran. The official explained that the US deliberately paused its attacks to avoid escalation and to "let diplomacy work," while still maintaining a "target list" as leverage against Tehran. Other sources told CNN that although preparations for new strikes continue, Washington has currently chosen to prioritize diplomacy.

Throughout the night, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea remained on high alert, with F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets armed and pilots conducting training missions in readiness for potential strikes. The carrier's captain reportedly warned the crew that "things are heating up" and emphasized the need for operational readiness.

Meanwhile, Iranian reports of explosions sparked speculation about new US attacks, but American officials denied any additional strikes. The US President Donald Trump has remained unusually silent on the escalating conflict, refraining from public comments or social media posts on Truth Social since the recent attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump spoke, with the latter updating Netanyahu on US actions in the Gulf.

The week-long funeral procession for Iran's slain leader Ali Khamenei concluded in Mashhad, his hometown and a major Shia holy site, with senior Iranian officials and notable figures such as Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Mahdi Nasrallah attending. Throughout the ceremonies, chants calling for revenge and threats against President Trump were heard. The Wall Street Journal reported overnight that Israel shared intelligence with the US indicating Iran planned another assassination attempt on Trump. At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump indirectly acknowledged these threats, stating Iran wants to "take down the US leader - me," and that he has been lucky so far but may not remain so.