The US and Iran have paused military strikes for a second night to allow for Oman-mediated diplomatic talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz. This de-escalation follows nearly two weeks of tit-for-tat attacks, which began after an Iranian attack on tankers on July 13 broke a June ceasefire. The conflict has driven oil prices to $100 a barrel and is unpopular with the American public, according to a recent poll.
Temporary pause in hostilities
- ▪US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated the pause in attacks was to "give diplomacy more time."
- ▪The United States paused military strikes against Iran for a second consecutive night as of July 26, 2026
- ▪US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that President Donald Trump is "keeping all options on the table" regarding potential escalation
- ▪An Iranian army spokesperson announced on July 26, 2026 that Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in the region
Oman-mediated diplomatic talks
- ▪Diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman focused on the management of the Strait of Hormuz
- ▪Iran and Oman held several rounds of technical talks in Tehran on July 24-25, 2026
Strait of Hormuz dispute
- ▪UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting plans to meet his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, to discuss securing the Strait of Hormuz
- ▪The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's key transport routes for oil, liquid natural gas, and other essential commodities
- ▪Disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz reignited US-Iran tensions in July 2026
Escalation timeline since June
- ▪In June 2026, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to halt military operations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz
- ▪The June 2026 ceasefire unraveled after Iranian forces attacked tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 13, 2026, prompting renewed US airstrikes
- ▪The current pause in hostilities follows nearly two weeks of daily US strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran
- ▪According to Iran's health ministry, US strikes have killed dozens of people
- ▪The broader US-Israeli war with Iran began in February 2026, with thousands killed across the Middle East
- ▪Iran retaliated for US airstrikes with attacks on US military facilities and bases, killing four American soldiers
Global economic impact
- ▪The renewed conflict has stoked fears over the security of global energy supplies
- ▪Renewed fighting in the region caused oil prices to hit $100 a barrel for the first time since May 2026
US public opinion
- ▪A recent CBS/YouGov poll indicates the war is largely unpopular in the United States
- ▪The CBS/YouGov poll found 57% of Americans are frustrated about the conflict and 19% are optimistic
- ▪US Ambassador Mike Waltz rejected reports that expanding hostilities could drain US air defence munitions stockpiles
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