Wind-down talk vs. oil sanctions: U.S. narrows war tempo as Iranian oil shipments resume

As the Middle East conflict with Iran enters its fourth week, Trump signals a possible wind-down while thousands more U.S. troops head to the region; Washington temporarily lifts sanctions on about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil to stabilize energy markets, even as Iran and its allies launch missiles and strikes. The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point, contributing to a spike in global oil prices and prompting international responses from Russia and regional partners.