President Donald Trump declared that "there are very friendly negotiations going on" about the conflict with Iran, saying the pause in strikes allowed room for dialogue.
He told reporters aboard Air Force One that a good chance for a deal existed, yet warned Washington could return to forceful measures if talks failed.
Tehran, however, has denied any direct negotiations, and the debate over neutral mediators continues.
The pause follows nearly two weeks of daily US strikes and reverberating attacks, overturning the June ceasefire that had opened the Strait of Hormuz.
At the same time, the US boasts ample ammunition stocks and continues to produce Patriot anti‑ballistic missiles, while the Pentagon maintains readiness.
