The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to temporarily halt mutual military strikes, according to Axios, citing U.S. government sources from the Trump administration. A delegation-level meeting between the two countries is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Qatar — aimed at de-escalating tensions centered on the Strait of Hormuz.
Temporary Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
This agreement comes despite the so-called ‘Islamabad Understanding’ signed on June 17, under which both sides had pledged to pause hostilities. In recent days, however, U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged strikes, with each accusing the other of violating the ceasefire. Control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the dispute.
‘We’ve decided to stop all operations,’ said a U.S. government source quoted by Axios — using the U.S. military’s formal term for offensive actions. A second American official confirmed that both parties agreed to halt attacks ‘for now,’ allowing commercial vessels to resume free passage through the Strait of Hormuz while negotiations continue toward a permanent end to hostilities.
Technical Talks to Continue
A senior U.S. official speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed that Washington and Tehran would mutually suspend attacks and continue technical negotiations on all issues outlined in the Islamabad Understanding. ‘Discussions are expected to continue on all matters covered by the memorandum of understanding. The two sides will pause hostilities for now, and ships will be able to navigate freely’ through the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters, the official said.
However, the AFP source declined to confirm Axios’s report about the upcoming Qatar meeting. Neither the White House nor Iranian authorities in Tehran have publicly commented on the reported agreement or talks at this stage.
Key Commitments Under the Preliminary Deal
Under the tentative arrangement, Iran has pledged to ensure safe and unimpeded passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the U.S. has committed to lifting its blockade on Iranian ports in the Gulf.
The diplomatic overture follows heightened rhetoric: On Saturday night, former U.S. President Donald Trump renewed threats, suggesting he was considering restarting military action to ‘finish the job’ — and warning that Iran ‘would cease to exist’ if such a decision were made.