US-Iran Conflict Pauses as Diplomats Keep Talking

The US military has paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intense bombing. Diplomatic efforts are still underway to try to prevent a return to all-out war between the two countries.

The conflict, which will reach its five-month mark on Tuesday, has seen oil prices soar due to the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor through which 20% of the world's oil normally flows.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit with President Donald Trump next week in Washington is also being watched closely. Some analysts believe that Israel's lack of involvement so far may signal to Iran that the US wants to limit the conflict.

Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said that if the pause in fighting turns into a multi-day pause, it would be a significant development. However, he noted that it's hard to know whether this is an operational pause or a pause to allow for behind-the-scenes diplomacy.