US and Iran agree to cease hostilities, meet Tuesday in Qatar

The United States and Iran agreed on Sunday to halt kinetic military operations and convene in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported, as renewed clashes threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire that ended their war.

Memorandum disputes reignite conflict

The renewed fighting stemmed from differing interpretations of the memorandum of understanding that ended the war, particularly regarding provisions concerning the strategic waterway, according to the website. Under the terms, Tehran pledged to make its best efforts to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strait, while Washington committed to lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.

Despite these commitments, clashes resumed when Iranian authorities asserted that ships must coordinate their passage—a requirement that prompted fresh tensions. A senior US official told Axios: "We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," using the military term for strikes and other attacks.

Communication channels falter

During talks in Switzerland last week, US Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation agreed to establish a hotline between the US military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to coordinate maritime traffic. By Saturday, however, the line remained non-operational even as Tehran resumed its coordination demands, according to the report.

Nuclear talks shelved

Tuesday's meeting was originally scheduled for Switzerland to address Iran's nuclear program, but the latest escalation prompted a change of venue to Doha and shifted the focus to the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported that bilateral talks had stalled following the recent resumption of hostilities between the two countries.