The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, July 27, edition that the United States and Iran paused their attacks for a second straight day as talks for an interim ceasefire continue amid recent exchanges of fire. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe reports that the reason for the U.S. pause, following attacks on Iranian coastal areas, remains unclear, and the Pentagon has not commented. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump is "giving talks some space" with negotiators from Oman, Iran and others engaged at various levels recently. Mr. Waltz dismissed concerns about U.S. interceptor shortages for defending against Iranian attacks, but experts question how long both the U.S. and Iran can sustain their offensive actions. Iran has halted attacks after the U.S. paused for two nights. Recently, Tehran has counterattacked countries hosting U.S. forces, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals at a base in Jordan and one in Iraq. The 60-day period that started with the June interim deal is now past its halfway mark, yet key issues, particularly Iran's nuclear program, remain unaddressed as mediators strive to maintain dialogue between both countries.