US Pauses Iran Strikes, Oil Prices Plummet Amid Ongoing Blockade

The United States has paused its bombing campaign against Iran after nearly two weeks of strikes. According to diplomats, the goal was to give peace talks 'some space'. President Donald Trump denied any shortage of ammunition, stating that the US has a lot of various types and more than it could ever use.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who jointly initiated the conflict with Iran about five months ago, plans to meet with Trump to discuss the conflict. He stated that his goal is 'to safeguard Israel's security, strengthen its power, and expand the circle of peace around us.'

Despite the pause in US strikes, oil prices dropped sharply on Monday, falling over 7%. The Strait of Hormuz remains under a US blockade, and Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that conditions have 'not changed and it is still closed'.