The United States has temporarily paused its airstrikes against targets inside Iran after nearly two weeks of nightly bombing, as diplomatic efforts accelerate to prevent a wider conflict. The confrontation between Washington and Tehran has been underway for almost five months, with President Donald Trump simultaneously threatening further military action and highlighting behind-the-scenes negotiations. U.S. Central Command conducted 13 consecutive nights of strikes on Iranian infrastructure, command hubs, drone sites and coastal defenses, while maintaining a strict naval blockade on key shipping lanes. Rising U.S. gasoline prices above four dollars per gallon and broader energy market disruption have drawn public scrutiny ahead of November’s congressional midterm elections.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.