US, Iran agree to resume talks after fresh Gulf escalation

Iran launched strikes targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain early Sunday, shortly after US President Donald Trump warned

The United States and Iran have agreed to suspend recent military hostilities in the Gulf and restart diplomatic negotiations, offering fresh hope for preserving a fragile interim peace agreement following days of escalating violence.

According to a US official, both sides have decided to stand down temporarily while technical discussions on the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 continue. The agreement is intended to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and address broader disputes, including Iran’s nuclear programme. Reports indicate that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place in Qatar on Tuesday.

The renewed diplomatic push follows several days of military exchanges after an Iranian projectile struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz last week. Both Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the earlier ceasefire, leading to further missile and drone attacks across the region.

Iran launched strikes targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain early Sunday, shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran to honour the peace agreement or face severe consequences. A US official confirmed the attacks but said there were no American casualties or significant damage to military installations.

Bahrain reported that an Iranian drone damaged a residential building in Muharraq without causing casualties and urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air defence systems successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles, preventing damage or injuries.

Tensions also remained high beyond the Gulf, with Israel announcing new strikes against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Iran has maintained that lasting stability in Lebanon is essential for the broader regional peace agreement to survive.

The interim accord, reached earlier this month, was designed to end months of conflict, reopen one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, and create space for negotiations. Although sanctions relief and initial talks had raised hopes of de-escalation, the latest exchanges underscored the fragile nature of the agreement.

Separately, Qatar confirmed that one of its nationals died after being injured by shrapnel aboard a vessel affected by military operations in the region, while another person was wounded. Authorities have not identified those responsible for the incident.