US, Iran pause Gulf strikes, agree to resume Hormuz talks

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt recent hostilities in the Gulf and resume negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz. 

This has renewed hope to preserve a fragile interim peace agreement after days of escalating military exchanges. The development was confirmed by a US official while Iran had not immediately commented on the announcement.

According to the official, both sides have agreed to “stand down for now” and allow commercial vessels to move freely through the strategic waterway as technical discussions continue under a 14-point MoU. 

Axios reported that US and Iranian officials are expected to meet in Qatar to continue negotiations.

The renewed diplomatic push follows several days of strikes that violated the peace deal. Tensions escalated after an Iranian projectile struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US retaliatory strikes. 

Iran later launched missiles and drones at US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire. 

Trump warned that Washington could intensify military action if Iran failed to honor the agreement, while the IRGC threatened further retaliation and said continued US attacks could end diplomatic efforts. 

Meanwhile, Israel carried out fresh strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, with Tehran insisting stability in Lebanon remains essential to sustaining the broader regional agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz, remains central to the negotiations, with the latest agreement aimed at ensuring safe maritime traffic while broader discussions, including Iran’s nuclear program, continue.