The United States and Iran have extended a pause in their military strikes for a second consecutive day, providing a fragile window of de‑escalation as Oman conducts talks aimed at mediating a diplomatic way forward after weeks of hostilities.
Following nearly two weeks of intensified conflict — triggered by Iranian attacks on ships and subsequent U.S. military responses — both sides halted new attacks over the weekend without any formal public announcement, raising hopes that diplomatic engagement could gain traction.
Omani mediators have been involved in discussions focused on managing safe shipping and reopening commercial navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transit route that has seen disrupted traffic amid the clashes.
The pause has pushed down global oil prices sharply, with Brent crude and U.S. benchmark prices falling significantly as markets reacted to reduced risk of further escalation.
Despite the lull in violence, Iran’s foreign ministry has said it is not formally requesting a resumption of broader peace talks with Washington, underscoring that core disputes remain unresolved.
Analysts say the situation remains tenuous, with diplomatic efforts ongoing and both military and political leaders watching closely whether the pause can lead to a more durable arrangement or simply a temporary break in hostilities.
