US pauses Iran airstrikes, diplomacy continues

The U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing, while diplomatic efforts push forward to avert a return to all-out war. The conflict, which began on Feb. 28 with the U.S. and Israel launching war against Iran, has reached its five-month mark. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor for 20% of the world's oil, leading to soaring oil prices. An interim ceasefire deal was signed in June, but a battle for control over the strait erupted. The U.S. renewed attacks on Iran's coastal defenses and expanded targets to bridges and infrastructure. A regional official involved in mediation said both sides want to return to the ceasefire deal, with a compromise centered on Iran running vessel transit with fewer restrictions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned visit to Washington adds uncertainty. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia in response to Saudi airstrikes on Yemen — Hodeidah, and the U.S. enforced a naval blockade of Iranian ports, disabling a Mozambique-flagged ship. President Donald Trump has threatened more strikes but also highlighted diplomacy, meeting with top national security aides to discuss the situation.