The United States and Iran have agreed to suspend military operations and resume high-level negotiations in Qatar on Tuesday in an effort to preserve a fragile peace agreement and ease tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing senior US officials.
The planned meeting comes after several days of military exchanges that raised concerns about the future of a memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. The agreement was intended to end months of conflict that began in late February and restore stability to one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
According to US media reports, both countries have agreed to halt military strikes while diplomatic efforts continue. A senior US official said both sides had decided to stop military action, while another official stated that commercial vessels would be able to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz as discussions proceed.
The talks are expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, after being moved from their original location in Switzerland. Diplomatic sources said the meeting was initially planned to cover a broader range of issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme. However, following the recent escalation in military activity, negotiators narrowed the agenda to focus primarily on security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains one of the world’s busiest energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports. Any disruption to shipping in the strait has immediate consequences for international energy markets and global trade.
Under the June 17 framework agreement, Iran committed to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States agreed to ease restrictions affecting Iranian ports. The arrangement was viewed as an important step toward reducing tensions after months of conflict that disrupted regional shipping and increased concerns over energy supplies.
The diplomatic breakthrough follows strong warnings from US President Donald Trump over the weekend. Trump said Washington was prepared to respond with military force if attacks on commercial shipping resumed, while also expressing support for continuing diplomatic efforts.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said both governments hope the temporary halt in hostilities will create the conditions needed for meaningful discussions in Doha. The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to play a key role in determining whether the ceasefire framework can be preserved and whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz can continue without further military confrontation.
Markets and regional governments are expected to closely monitor the talks, given the strategic importance of the Gulf waterway and its role in global energy supplies.
