US and Iran Agree to Halt Strikes, Meet in Qatar for Hormuz Talks
The United States and Iran have agreed to cease attacks against each other, according to senior U.S. officials, and plan to meet on Tuesday (June 30) in Qatar to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. The decision marks a temporary de-escalation after days of exchanges that have threatened shipping through the vital waterway.
Both sides have traded strikes in recent days despite a fragile memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February. Under that agreement, Tehran committed to allowing safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
“We decided to stop all the kinetic activity,” a senior U.S. official told Axios on Sunday (June 28), using a military term for strikes. A second American official confirmed that both sides will stand down “for now” and that “vessels can move freely” as talks continue.
The upcoming meeting in Qatar is expected to address the core issues that led to the recent escalation, including the enforcement of the June 17 memorandum and the restoration of stability in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any disruption there affects international energy markets.
While the halt in hostilities is a positive step, analysts caution that the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The conflict, which began in late February 2026, has involved a series of maritime incidents and airstrikes, drawing in regional powers and raising concerns about a broader war. The United States has maintained a naval presence in the region, while Iran has warned of consequences if its territorial rights are violated.
The international community has welcomed the ceasefire, with calls for a permanent resolution. The United Nations and several Gulf states have offered to mediate. Qatar, which has maintained diplomatic ties with both nations, has positioned itself as a neutral venue for talks.
As of Monday morning, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has resumed normal operations, according to maritime tracking data. However, both nations have cautioned that the stand-down is temporary, and further discussions are needed to ensure long-term peace.
