Airstrikes have paused and talks are pressing forward. But can the US and Iran take the off-ramp?

After a nearly two-week escalation in airstrikes, the U.S. military has halted its offensive against Iran, giving diplomats a chance to negotiate and avoid a full-blown conflict. This pause comes amid intense talks aimed at de-escalating tensions that have been rising for months. The situation matters greatly as a renewed war could have devastating global ramifications, affecting everything from oil prices to international security. While the pause offers a glimmer of hope, the challenge remains to find a sustainable path forward that both sides can trust.