The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to halt further military action following several days of renewed hostilities that raised fears of a collapse of their recent ceasefire agreement.
According to reports, both countries have decided to “stand down” after accusing each other of violating the truce through a series of attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
A US official told CBS News that commercial vessels would once again be able to move through the strategic waterway “freely,” adding that diplomatic efforts to permanently end the conflict would continue.
The official also disclosed that representatives from both countries are expected to meet in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday for another round of negotiations aimed at preventing further escalation.
Iran has not publicly confirmed reports that it has agreed to suspend attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest tensions come despite a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both nations on June 17, which called for the “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.”
Under the agreement, Iran also pledged to use its “best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days.”
However, the ceasefire came under strain after fresh violence erupted last week. Reports indicate that the renewed confrontation began on Thursday when an Iranian projectile struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, the United States launched strikes on multiple Iranian targets over the weekend. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the operation as a direct response to what it called Iran’s “continued aggression” against commercial shipping.
Iran subsequently launched strikes targeting US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on Saturday. US authorities, however, said the attacks failed to reach their intended targets and caused no casualties or damage.
The planned talks in Doha are expected to focus on reinforcing the ceasefire and reducing tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions.
