US says it has agreed to ‘stand down’ after exchange of strikes with Iran
US and Iran Reach 'Stand Down' Agreement Amid Escalating Tensions
US says it has agreed to stand - The United States and Iran have agreed to a temporary pause in hostilities following a recent cycle of military strikes, according to media reports. This decision follows a series of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, which both nations blamed each other for breaching their earlier ceasefire. A US official confirmed to CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that commercial vessels will now be able to navigate the critical waterway "freely." The official added that ongoing diplomatic efforts to solidify a lasting peace will continue.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute and US-Iran Strikes
Clashes resumed on Thursday after an Iranian missile struck a cargo ship in the strait, prompting a US retaliatory strike. Over the weekend, the US targeted multiple Iranian sites, citing "continued aggression" against commercial shipping as justification. In response, Iran launched strikes at US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The US stated that none of the attacks resulted in casualties or damage.
"Vessels will now be able to move through the waterway freely," said the US official, emphasizing the agreement's immediate impact on regional trade.
Earlier, on 17 June, the two countries signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that included a commitment to "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts." Under the terms of the MoU, Iran pledged to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships for 60 days without additional fees. However, the ceasefire has faced challenges as both sides renewed attacks, threatening to disrupt the fragile truce.
Broader Regional Peace Efforts
Meanwhile, the US facilitated a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at stabilizing the southern border. This deal came amid persistent clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denounced the agreement, accusing the government of compromising the country's independence.
"The Beirut government has undermined Lebanon's sovereignty," stated the Hezbollah leader, highlighting concerns over the peace framework.
On Sunday, two days after the Israel-Lebanon pact was signed, Israel claimed to have destroyed a 200-metre-long tunnel used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, which it alleged contained hundreds of weapons. Israeli officials informed the US beforehand of the attack, as noted in statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Tehran has argued that a broader ceasefire deal depends on halting hostilities in Lebanon.