IRGC Claims Heavy US Losses as Trump Pauses Strikes

TEHRAN: (Web Desk) – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its latest military operations killed more than 200 American military personnel. It also claimed to have targeted eight US military installations across the Middle East.

The IRGC said its attacks destroyed 20 fortified military shelters. It also claimed to have shot down or destroyed 17 drones, one F-15 fighter jet, one C-17 military transport aircraft, and eight aerial refuelling planes.

Independent sources have not verified these claims.

Meanwhile, Axios, quoted by a private news channel, reported that US President Donald Trump ordered a temporary pause in new military strikes on Iran. The pause came after nearly two weeks of continuous operations.

According to the report, Trump declined to approve another round of strikes on Friday. He had authorised military action over the previous 13 days.

US officials have not said whether the pause is temporary or part of a broader policy shift.

The report says Trump wants to create more space for diplomacy. It also says he wants to reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Despite the pause, the US military remains on high alert. It continues to prepare for any possible escalation.

Speaking at the White House, President Trump said all military options remain available. However, he stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred path.

Trump said, “We’re talking to the Iranians right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by. We’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them.”

Later, at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, Trump said he was not convinced Iran was ready to reach an agreement. However, he added that he remained open to negotiations.

The reported pause came as an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran. The delegation is holding talks on a possible arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional sources say the discussions have made progress. They also say both sides could reach an agreement soon. If negotiators finalise a proposal, President Trump will decide whether the United States will support the deal.