US, Iran Agree to Pause Strikes Ahead of Doha Talks

June 30, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt military exchanges for now and are expected to hold high-level talks in Doha on Tuesday as both sides seek to preserve a fragile ceasefire following several days of escalating attacks around the Strait of Hormuz.

The planned meeting comes after both countries exchanged strikes over the weekend, raising concerns that a June 17 memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities could collapse. US officials said both sides had agreed to "stand down" and allow commercial vessels to move freely through the strategic waterway while diplomatic efforts continue.

US President Donald Trump said Iran had requested the meeting, which he said would take place in Qatar's capital. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would travel to Doha for high-level discussions on implementing the memorandum of understanding.

Iran, however, publicly disputed the timetable. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said no technical talks were scheduled this week, highlighting differences between Washington and Tehran over the next stage of negotiations.

The latest tensions followed an Iranian strike on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, prompting US airstrikes against Iranian targets. Iran later launched attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, although US officials said the strikes caused no casualties or damage.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. The renewed diplomacy is aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic while preventing further military escalation that could disrupt global energy markets.

Source: FSX Business News