Netanyahu’s Washington visit adds to diplomatic uncertainty
The U.S. military paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing, while diplomatic efforts pushed forward to try to avert a return to all-out war, the Associated Press reported. The conflict is set to reach its five-month point Tuesday, and it remains unclear whether the pause marks an inflection point.
President Donald Trump has offered no clear signal on the direction ahead. He has threatened additional strikes while also saying talks are pressing on, all while brushing off concerns that rising gas prices tied to the fighting could hurt Republican candidates in November’s midterm elections, according to the AP.
Adding to the uncertainty is the planned visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington next week for talks with Trump, the AP reported.
Israel launched the war alongside the United States on Feb. 28 but has been notably absent from the renewed American attacks, which have focused on Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor through which 20% of the world’s oil normally flows, according to the AP.