The United States and Iran have agreed to halt military attacks and resume negotiations in Doha on Tuesday, offering a temporary pause in tensions after days of strikes and counter-strikes around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios cited by The Times of India, both countries have decided to stop attacking each other and continue technical discussions in Qatar's capital to resolve disagreements over shipping through the strategically important waterway.
A senior US official told Axios, "We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," referring to military strikes and other attacks.
Another US official said both sides would stand down temporarily and added that "vessels can move freely" while discussions continue. The officials confirmed that technical talks are scheduled to take place in Doha on Tuesday.
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Fresh escalation before the pause
The latest confrontation began after the United States accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by targeting commercial vessels. In response, US forces carried out strikes on Iranian military targets.
Iran then launched ballistic missiles and drones at US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, raising concerns that the fragile ceasefire could collapse completely. Both sides also issued warnings of further escalation during the exchanges.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 27, 2026
Strait of Hormuz at the centre of dispute
The renewed tensions stem from different interpretations of the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this month to end the conflict.
Article 5 of the agreement, which deals with navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, has emerged as the main point of disagreement. Under the understanding, Iran agreed to make efforts to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, while the United States agreed to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
Talks shift from nuclear issue to shipping dispute
The technical talks were initially planned in Switzerland and were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear programme. However, the recent military escalation shifted both the venue and agenda to Doha and the Strait of Hormuz dispute.
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Iran had earlier cancelled Sunday's talks. Speaking to Iranian state television, Mehdi Fazaeili said, "For example one of the reasons is checking if we have access to the unfrozen funds, if there is no access then this condition has not been fulfilled."
FAQs:
Why are the US and Iran holding talks in Doha?
The talks aim to resolve disagreements over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Why did Iran suspend earlier technical talks?
Iran cited recent US attacks and concerns over access to unfrozen funds.
