US and Iran halt attacks in Hormuz Strait, plan Doha talks

The United States and Iran have agreed to pause reciprocal attacks in the Strait of Hormuz for the time being. Both sides say the cessation will allow commercial vessels to resume free passage through the narrow waterway that carries about 20 % of global oil supplies. Technical teams are to continue discussions on the broader memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June, and senior representatives are slated to meet in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday to work out remaining issues.

Both governments accuse each other of recent violations of the cease‑fire, with the US striking Iranian targets and Tehran responding with drone and missile attacks on US positions in Bahrain and Bahrain. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that any foreign intervention in Hormuz management would heighten tensions, reiterating Tehran’s sole authority over the strait for the next 30 days. Oman has also entered talks with Iran on future management of the passage, while Kuwait and Bahrain have condemned recent Iranian strikes.

The agreement is fragile; both parties say they will “step back for now” while technical talks proceed, but each side remains poised to resume hostilities if the other breaches the pact.