TEHRAN — Iran said on Sunday it has halted retaliatory attacks against U.S. allies in the Middle East after Washington stopped its strikes on the country for the past two nights. The Iranian declaration came after Washington paused a war nearing its fifth month and reports emerged that concerns over dwindling munitions were restraining plans for further escalation. "These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks," said army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia. "Since ... our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations." Fighting over the strategic Strait of Hormuz derailed diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, but the conflict then expanded beyond the vital energy corridor to include attacks on U.S. bases, regional shipping and Gulf allies. But the recent lull has revived hopes of a return to negotiations after nearly two weeks of consecutive nightly U.S. bombardments, although U.S. media reported the pause could also reflect pressure on stockpiles of Patriot intercep