**US and Iran Agree to Cease Hostilities Ahead of Doha Peace Talks**
In a significant development, the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to halt hostilities as they prepare for peace talks scheduled to take place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday. This decision comes in the wake of recent military exchanges between the two nations, which occurred just days after they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts.
According to reports from senior US officials, the agreement was reached following a series of strikes exchanged between the two countries over the weekend. The conflict, which escalated dramatically in late February, began with a joint military operation by the US and Israel against Iran. The latest hostilities included US attacks on military targets in southern Iran, which were justified by US officials as a response to drone strikes attributed to Iran against vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile strikes targeting locations in Kuwait and Bahrain, both of which host American military bases. A US official confirmed on Sunday, “We decided to stop all the kinetic activity,” indicating a mutual decision to de-escalate tensions.
Further details reveal that technical discussions regarding the MoU will continue, with both parties agreeing to a temporary stand-down. This agreement is expected to facilitate the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that handles approximately 25% of the world's seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously issued warnings that any further attacks from the US would jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts. In a press conference held in Baghdad, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz would return to its pre-conflict operational capacity under Iran's management within 30 days. He emphasized that the responsibility for implementing these arrangements lies solely with Iran and cautioned that any external interference would complicate the situation further.
The MoU, signed on June 17, established a 60-day window for negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which can be extended if necessary. Initially, discussions were planned to take place in Switzerland, focusing primarily on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the recent escalation in military actions has shifted the focus toward the security and management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's position asserts its right to regulate shipping in the Strait and collect fees, a stance that has been met with resistance from the US. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a near-total closure of the waterway to commercial shipping, exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region.
As the two nations prepare for talks in Doha, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that can stabilize the region and ensure the safety of vital shipping routes.