US, Iran pause strikes as Oman mediates Strait of Hormuz talks

The United States and Iran have extended a temporary pause in military strikes following nearly two weeks of escalating exchanges, opening a vital diplomatic window as Omani mediators hold technical talks in Tehran over maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. After thirteen consecutive nights of US air operations aimed at neutralising threats to commercial shipping, American forces abruptly halted strikes, prompting Iranian military spokespersons to confirm a reciprocal suspension of retaliatory attacks. Omani and Iranian diplomats reported constructive initial progress on establishing operational mechanisms to ensure safe passage across the critical energy chokepoint, which normally carries roughly one-fifth of global crude supplies. US representatives emphasised that Washington is affording diplomatic negotiations room to manoeuvre while explicitly retaining all strategic military options. 

The temporary operational lull served to immediately ease global market anxieties and push oil prices downward, according to a report.

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