US-Iran Conflict De-escalates Amid Diplomatic Pause

The United States and Iran have initiated a mutual pause in military operations, with oil prices declining sharply as markets respond to reduced regional tensions and improved prospects for diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Both nations have signaled willingness to engage in direct talks, marking a significant de-escalation from recent weeks of heightened military posturing and retaliatory strikes. Energy markets reflect the shift, with crude oil prices falling as investors reassess geopolitical risk premiums in the Middle East.