Can the U.S. and Iran take the off-ramp?
The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale war. The situation remains volatile as officials monitor whether this is a strategic operational pause or a genuine move toward de-escalation.
Why it matters
The conflict impacts global oil prices and regional stability, with potential implications for U.S. domestic politics and international relations.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing, while diplomatic efforts have pushed forward to try to avert a return to all-out war.
But it remains to be seen whether the U.S. and Iran are at an inflection point in a mercurial conflict that will reach the five-month point Tuesday. President Donald Trump both has threatened more strikes and said talks are pressing on, all while brushing off concerns that rising gas prices tied to the fighting could hurt Republicans in November's midterm elections.
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