US pauses strikes on Iran for diplomatic talks

·       US President Donald Trump paused military strikes against Iran for a second consecutive night to allow space for diplomatic discussions.

·       Global oil prices reached US$100 per barrel for the first time since May amid fears over energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

·       Technical talks between Iranian and Omani officials in Tehran aim to address disputes over the management of the Strait of Hormuz to permanently end hostilities.

The US government suspended airstrikes against Iran to give diplomatic negotiations room to proceed following two weeks of renewed military action.

This temporary pause follows nearly two weeks of daily US strikes that unravelled a ceasefire memorandum of understanding signed between both nations in June.

"The president is giving talks some space, he's giving it a little bit of room," said US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz.

Technical discussions between Iranian and Omani officials focused on managing the Strait of Hormuz, where previous tanker attacks triggered reinstated naval blockades and retaliatory strikes that killed four American soldiers.

Following the diplomatic announcement, the US President is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on July 28.

Public support for the ongoing military campaign remains limited, with a recent CBS/YouGov poll indicating that 57% of surveyed Americans feel frustrated about the five-month conflict.

The conflict began in February and has led to widespread regional disruptions while directly impacting global energy transport routes for oil and liquid natural gas.