The U. S.
military has paused its airstrikes on Iran following nearly two weeks of intensified bombing, as diplomatic efforts advance to prevent a full-scale war.
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President Donald Trump has alternated between threatening more strikes and emphasizing ongoing negotiations. He dismissed concerns that rising gas prices could harm Republican chances in the midterm elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Washington next week adds uncertainty. Israel joined the war in February but has remained absent from the latest American actions.
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a route for 20% of the world's oil, has disrupted global shipping.
Diplomatic Signals and Mediation
Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said, "The Iranians understand that perhaps it could get worse because Israel could come into the conflict."
He noted that Israel's lack of involvement may signal a desire to limit the conflict.
Singh cautioned that the pause could be operational or diplomatic, saying, "If it turns into a multiday pause, that'll be something significant."
A regional official involved in mediation described the pause as a "positive signal" that helps de-escalation efforts.
Both countries seek to return to the interim ceasefire deal, with talks focusing on Iran managing vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz with fewer restrictions.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Iran and Oman held several rounds of technical talks about the strait over the weekend.
