Washington DC, June 29: The United States and Iran have agreed to resume diplomatic engagement and are scheduled to hold talks in Doha on Tuesday to address differences over the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.
Axios, citing senior US officials, reported that both sides have agreed to halt military actions and continue discussions aimed at reducing tensions. One US official said the two countries had decided to stop all “kinetic activity,” referring to military strikes and attacks.
Another official said both sides had agreed to stand down for the time being and that commercial vessels would continue to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz while technical discussions continue.
US officials and another source familiar with the matter confirmed that representatives from both countries are expected to meet in Doha.
The ceasefire between the two countries, which has been in place for 11 days, remains uncertain. US President Donald Trump has warned that military action could resume if Iran fails to comply with the terms of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has the right to manage maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz under the preliminary peace agreement, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The United States maintains that the agreement does not give Iran control over the waterway and that international navigation should remain unrestricted.
The disagreement follows recent tensions in the region after Iran reportedly targeted a vessel travelling through the strait near the coast of Oman. Iran had advised ships to use a route closer to its coastline and warned against using alternative routes.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the agreement signed earlier this month states that Iran will make arrangements to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The report added that Iran, in consultation with regional countries, would discuss future arrangements related to maritime administration and services in the waterway.