US Officials: Iran US Agree to Halt Attacks, Renew Peace Talks

Iran and the US agree to halt attacks after days of dangerous military strikes, raising fresh hopes for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

A senior US official confirmed on Sunday that both countries have agreed to stand down. Vessels can now move freely through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that had been largely blocked since the conflict began.

The two sides are set to resume technical talks on Tuesday in Qatar. The talks will cover all areas of a 14-point memorandum of understanding that was signed on June 17.

The agreement comes after a tense few days. Iran fired missiles and drones at US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. The US also struck Iranian targets in response to a cargo vessel being hit in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump warned Iran in strong words on social media, saying the Islamic Republic would “no longer exist” if it failed to honor the peace deal. Hours later, reports of the ceasefire renewal brought some relief.

Israel also carried out fresh strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon over the weekend. Iran has said the fighting in Lebanon must stop for the wider peace deal to hold.

Despite the fragile situation, both governments appear willing to keep talking, giving the world a small but important window of hope.