Airstrikes have paused and talks are pressing forward for now

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has paused its airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing. At the same time, diplomatic efforts pushed forward to try to avert a return to all-out war. But it remains to be seen whether the U.S. and Iran are at an inflection point in a mercurial conflict that will reach the five-month point Tuesday. President Donald Trump has threatened more strikes but also said talks are pressing on. He’s brushed off concerns that rising gas prices tied to the fighting could hurt Republicans in November’s midterm elections. Adding to the uncertainty is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit with Trump next week. Israel has been notably absent from the renewed U.S. attacks.