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US and Iran Pause Strikes, Doha Talks Expected as Both Sides Seek Diplomatic Breakthrough
The United States and Iran have agreed to temporarily halt military strikes against each other, signaling a renewed push toward diplomacy after days of escalating tensions threatened to undermine a recently signed peace agreement.
The United States and Iran have agreed to temporarily halt military strikes against each other, signaling a renewed push toward diplomacy after days of escalating tensions threatened to undermine a recently signed peace agreement.
High-level discussions are expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, although Iranian officials have indicated that formal negotiations will proceed only after certain conditions are fulfilled.
US President Donald Trump announced that a meeting with Iranian representatives is likely to happen in Qatar, describing it as a step toward preserving the fragile understanding reached earlier this month.
However, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi adopted a more cautious tone, saying discussions remain dependent on ongoing consultations.
“Consultations with Qatar regarding the implementation of commitments are continuing as usual. Reports about technical talks in Doha cannot yet be confirmed,” Gharibabadi told Iranian media outlet Tasnim.
Trump Says Iran Requested Talks
President Trump stated that Tehran had sought discussions following a series of retaliatory military actions over the weekend.
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, senior US officials are expected to participate in the discussions.
“Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Doha this week for high-level meetings as efforts continue regarding the memorandum of understanding,” Leavitt said during an interview with Fox News.
Military Escalation Gives Way to Diplomacy
The decision to suspend military operations comes after several days of heightened tensions pushed relations between Washington and Tehran close to a major crisis.
Reports indicate that both countries have agreed to pause all direct military activity while negotiations continue over unresolved issues surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, technical discussions may be held alongside the high-level diplomatic meetings in Doha, focusing on maritime security and trade routes.
The latest diplomatic initiative comes only 11 days after the two nations announced an interim agreement designed to reduce hostilities and stabilize relations.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Challenge
Despite the apparent breakthrough, significant disagreements remain over the implementation of commitments linked to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
Under the memorandum of understanding reached earlier this month, Iran pledged to facilitate safe commercial navigation through the waterway, while the United States agreed to ease restrictions affecting Iranian maritime trade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s stance, emphasizing that the management of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz falls exclusively under Iran’s jurisdiction.
“The management and full restoration of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s responsibility. No other country or entity has authority in this matter,” Araghchi said.
Meanwhile, US officials continue to stress that international navigation through the waterway must remain open and unrestricted.
