The United States and Iran have agreed to halt military strikes and permit the free movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a US official who spoke to CBS News. The official confirmed that technical talks between the two sides are scheduled to continue, signaling active efforts to de-escalate tensions.
De-escalation and Free Passage Agreement
An unnamed US official told ABC News that both nations have committed to stopping attacks and ensuring unhindered navigation through the strategic waterway. The official added that technical discussions would proceed on all areas covered by the memorandum of understanding, though no specific timeline was provided.
This potential breakthrough comes at a critical moment. The ongoing military conflict against Iran, which began four months ago, has placed significant strain on the global economy, driven up gas prices in the United States, and severely tested America's diplomatic ties with Israel and its traditional European allies.
Background of Tensions
Tensions escalated sharply on Friday when Tehran asserted its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that safe passage could only be guaranteed for vessels coordinating directly with the Iranian government. This followed President Donald Trump's accusation that Iran had targeted a commercial vessel near the coast of Oman using a one-way attack drone.
In response to that maritime incident, US Central Command announced on Saturday that it had executed a fresh wave of retaliatory strikes against multiple Iranian targets. Trump amplified the military action with harsh rhetoric on the same day, posting on Truth Social: "United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!"
He added: "It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!"
Iranian Retaliation and Diplomatic Channels
Defying the warning almost immediately, Iran launched military strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday, claiming that the US had breached the ceasefire framework. No casualties or injuries were reported from these incidents.
Despite the volatile back-and-forth over the weekend, diplomatic channels have remained functional. Axios reported on Sunday that the two sides are scheduled to convene on Tuesday in Qatar to resume technical talks concerning Iran's nuclear programme.
The upcoming discussions in Qatar carry immediate urgency, as a significant number of provisions within the Memorandum of Understanding are designed to last for only 60 days, though they remain eligible for extension through mutual agreement.
