The United States and Iran agree to pause their attacks and allow commercial shipping to move through the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials said. The step follows days of tit-for-tat strikes that raised concerns about a fragile June 17 memorandum of understanding intended to de-escalate the Middle East conflict that began in late February and disrupted shipping through the strait. Under the MOU, Iran is committed to safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States agrees to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.

Several outlets report that technical talks related to implementing and expanding the MOU are scheduled to continue, with discussions reportedly set to resume in Qatar. Multiple reports cite a U.S. official and indicate the talks could restart on Tuesday in Doha, after earlier negotiation efforts involving senior officials in Switzerland that mediators described as positive.

While outlet accounts differ on specific details such as the exact timing and venue, they consistently describe an immediate “stand down” on attacks by both sides and a plan to proceed with technical negotiations aimed at reaching broader, long-term arrangements to end hostilities and address wider disputes.