Is it obligatory to repeat the الاستعاذة (seeking refuge in Allah) when resuming the recitation of the Qur’an after pausing to read the interpretation of the verses?

There is no need to repeat the Isti‘adha (seeking refuge with Allah) when pausing recitation to look at the interpretation of verses, as long as the pause was intended for an immediate return to reading, because there was no complete قطع (interruption) or turning away from the recitation. Pausing for such a purpose is considered part of a single reading session. However, if the speech is external to the recitation, it is recommended to repeat the Isti‘adha. The Isti‘adha is recommended, not obligatory, at the beginning of recitation.