U.S. and Iran agree to stand down after recent strikes

The U.S. and Iran have agreed to stand down after an exchange of strikes over the past few days, according to a U.S. official cited by media reports. The agreement follows renewed attacks that began on Thursday when an Iranian projectile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. responded with strikes on multiple targets inside Iran, which officials described as a direct response to continued aggression against commercial shipping. Iran then launched strikes on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain over the weekend. The U.S. stated that none of those attacks reached their targets and that there were no casualties or damage.

talks On 17 June the two sides signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding that called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations. Iran also pledged to use its best efforts to allow safe passage of commercial vessels at no charge for 60 days.

A U.S. official told CBS News on Sunday that vessels would be able to move through the Gulf waterway freely and that talks on a permanent deal would continue. On Monday, Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi denied plans for technical talks this week.

President Donald Trump stated that a meeting would be held in Qatar's capital at Iran's request.

“IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!" — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will fly to Doha for high-level meetings this week.”

mediated a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aimed at a lasting peace. Hezbollah's leader rejected the deal and accused the Lebanese government of undermining sovereignty. On Sunday the Israeli army said it struck a 200-metre tunnel used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon that contained hundreds of weapons.