US, Iran Set for Crucial Hormuz Talks in Doha

The United States and Iran have taken a significant diplomatic step to reduce escalating tensions by agreeing to temporarily suspend military operations ahead of high-level talks in Qatar’s capital, Doha.

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According to a senior US official, representatives from both countries are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, with a primary focus on ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

US officials said both sides have agreed to temporarily halt all military operations, including drone strikes and other aggressive military activities, in an effort to create a favourable environment for dialogue. The move is expected to ease tensions that have intensified over the past several days.

Another American official stated that both nations have reached a preliminary understanding to de-escalate the situation and ensure that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues without disruption. The Doha meeting is also expected to address the technical framework required to implement the proposed arrangements.

Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, uncertainty remains over the ceasefire announced around eleven days ago. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would not hesitate to resume military action if Iran failed to honour the terms of the agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s position that Iran holds the authority to manage commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the United States rejected the claim, maintaining that the strategic waterway is an international maritime route that must remain open to vessels from all nations without restrictions.

The latest diplomatic efforts come after a series of military confrontations near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the United States, it launched strikes on Iranian air defence systems and military facilities in response to attacks on commercial ships near the coast of Oman.

Iran, on the other hand, claimed it retaliated by launching drone and missile attacks targeting a US naval base in Bahrain and an airbase in Kuwait. However, US officials asserted that the attacks were intercepted before reaching their targets. Authorities in both Bahrain and Kuwait also confirmed that there were no casualties resulting from the incident.

Although both countries have shown a willingness to reduce tensions, major differences remain over control of the Strait of Hormuz and the security of international shipping. The upcoming Doha meeting is therefore being viewed as a critical opportunity to prevent further escalation and lay the groundwork for a broader diplomatic solution.

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