US-Iran pause after flare-up as talks loom amid regional clashes

After a weekend of exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely, with a Doha meeting planned to discuss the next steps. Technical talks on the MoU remain on track, while Iran calls for regional security measures and Israel-Lebanon fighting continues to influence regional stability and oil markets. The situation includes threats of further military action, ongoing diplomatic maneuvering, and casualty reports, underscoring a fragile pause rather than a lasting peace.