US and Iran pause strikes as Hormuz tests interim deal, Doha talks loom
Efforts to reopen the Strait without Iran’s oversight have sparked days of crossfire
Iranian and US technical teams working on the implementation of an interim peace deal are expected to meet in Doha in the coming days, after tit-for-tat weekend strikes threatened to derail the fragile accord.
The exchanges have underscored the fragility of a Pakistan-brokered agreement to end the conflict that has killed thousands and snarled the flow of oil shipments through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Although a ceasefire took effect in April, sporadic violence has flared up in the Gulf region, with traffic in the waterway serving as a regular flashpoint.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Monday that there would be a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, but unlike previous technical talks between Tehran and Washington in Switzerland, the focus would be on managing the strait and de-escalating tensions.
US President Donald Trump confirmed in a social media post that there would be a meeting in Doha on Tuesday, but gave no details.
As far as we’re concerned, we’re holding up our end of the ceasefire. Violence will be met with violence
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were due to attend a meeting there, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Sunday.