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The United States and Iran have agreed to halt attacks against each other and resume negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a US official.
The announcement follows several days of renewed military exchanges despite a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 17 to reduce tensions. The agreement was designed to pave the way for a broader settlement after months of conflict that began in late February and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the MOU, Iran agreed to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, while the United States committed to lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. A US official said technical discussions on all aspects of the agreement would continue and confirmed that both sides had agreed to “stand down for now,” allowing commercial shipping to move freely.
According to multiple US media reports, including Axios and CNN, negotiations are expected to resume on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar. However, officials have not formally confirmed the venue or released additional details about the upcoming talks.
The latest diplomatic breakthrough comes after both countries accused each other of violating the ceasefire in recent days. On Sunday, the US military said it struck 10 Iranian military targets in response to what it described as continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.
Meanwhile, tensions remained high elsewhere in the Gulf. Iranian officials warned Bahrain against actions they said could provoke a stronger military response, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Those claims have not been independently verified.
Iran also criticized plans for an alternative shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz announced by Oman, warning that efforts to bypass its preferred navigation corridor could increase regional tensions.
Despite the renewed commitment to talks, recent military exchanges underscore the fragile nature of the ceasefire, with both sides seeking to balance diplomacy and security concerns in the strategically important Gulf region.