The United States and Iran have agreed to temporarily halt military attacks and continue diplomatic negotiations, according to a U.S. official, in a move aimed at preserving a fragile agreement to end the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The development follows a fresh round of retaliatory strikes between both countries that threatened to derail an interim peace arrangement brokered by Pakistan and renewed concerns over security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US, Iran to Resume Negotiations
A U.S. official disclosed on Sunday that Washington and Tehran had agreed to de-escalate tensions and continue discussions under a previously signed memorandum of understanding (MOU).
“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MOU,” the official said, adding that both sides had agreed to stand down temporarily to allow vessels to move freely through and around the Strait of Hormuz.
While Iran has not officially responded to the statement, reports suggest that another round of negotiations could take place in Qatar in the coming days.
The latest agreement comes after renewed hostilities exposed the fragile nature of efforts to end a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global energy supplies.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Major Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime routes, remains at the centre of tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making stability in the region critical to international energy markets.
Although international maritime law generally prohibits Iran or Oman from blocking passage through the strait, Tehran has sought greater control over shipping routes since the outbreak of the conflict.
Iran currently requires vessels to transit through a corridor close to its coastline and has warned against alternative navigation arrangements.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any attempt to bypass the country’s preferred shipping route could complicate efforts to fully reopen the waterway and increase regional tensions.
Fresh Military Exchanges Raise Concerns
Tensions escalated earlier on Sunday when U.S. Central Command announced strikes on 10 Iranian military targets, citing what it described as continued threats to commercial shipping.
Iran responded with attacks targeting U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Both Gulf nations condemned the strikes, while regional observers warned that further confrontations could threaten broader peace efforts.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also announced stricter measures to monitor and regulate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels violating its directives could face tougher enforcement actions.
Analysts Warn of Continued Tensions
Security analysts believe incidents around the Strait of Hormuz may continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
According to experts, Iran could use prolonged negotiations alongside controlled pressure in the strategic waterway to strengthen its bargaining position in talks with the United States and regional stakeholders.
Although recent exchanges have resulted in limited reported casualties, authorities in Qatar confirmed that one citizen was killed after being struck by shrapnel from military operations in the area.
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Tunnel in Southern Lebanon
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Lebanon, where the Israeli military announced the destruction of a large underground tunnel allegedly used by Hezbollah.
According to Israeli authorities, the tunnel extended more than 200 metres in length and reached depths exceeding 25 metres. Officials said it contained weapons stockpiles and launch sites intended for attacks against Israel.
In response, Hezbollah accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and said it reserved the right to defend Lebanon and its people against future attacks.
The latest development underscores the complexity of the wider Middle East conflict, with Lebanon remaining a key component of broader regional peace negotiations.
