The US and Iran have agreed to halt attacks and hold talks in Qatar
The US and Iran have agreed to cease mutual attacks. This was reported by Axios, citing a US official.
According to the official, the parties have agreed to halt all military activity. This decision was taken against the backdrop of a new escalation arising from differing interpretations of the memorandum of understanding on the cessation of hostilities.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains the key point of contention. It was precisely the differences over the conditions for the passage of ships through this strategic route that led to the latest escalation.
Under the memorandum, Iran undertook to make every effort to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports.
During talks in Switzerland last week, the US delegation, led by Vice-President J.D. Vance, agreed with Iran to establish a dedicated hotline between the US military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to coordinate the movement of vessels in the Strait.
As of Saturday, this hotline had not yet become operational. At the same time, Iran has once again begun to emphasise the need for coordination of ship passages.
A new round of talks between the US and Iran is scheduled for Tuesday in the Qatari capital, Doha. The meeting was originally due to take place in Switzerland and focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, but the format and venue were changed due to the escalation of tensions.
The head of the US technical team, Nick Stewart, is expected to take part in the talks.
The White House has not yet officially commented on the situation.
