US and Iran Agree to Cease Hostilities After Recent Strikes/ Image @ BBC
The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to “stand down” following a series of military exchanges in recent days, according to media sources citing a US official.
This development follows multiple attacks in and around the crucial Strait of Hormuz, where both nations have accused one another of breaching the ceasefire.
The official confirmed to CBS News, a partner of the BBC, that maritime traffic through the strait will now be able to move “freely,” and indicated that renewed negotiations aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict will persist.
While Iran has not publicly responded to reports of its agreement to cease strikes in the strait, tensions have escalated since the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 17.
The agreement included provisions for an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts.”
As part of the MoU, Iran committed to making its “best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels without charge for 60 days.”
However, the ceasefire established less than two weeks ago has faced challenges due to renewed hostilities from both sides.
Strikes resumed on Thursday when an Iranian missile struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
In retaliation over the weekend, the US conducted a series of strikes on Iranian targets, which US Central Command (Centcom) described as a direct response to “continued aggression” against commercial shipping.
On Saturday, Iran launched strikes on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, though the US reported that none of these attacks successfully hit their intended targets, resulting in no casualties or damage.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for oil and gas shipments and was effectively closed by Tehran following US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February.
In a related development, the US facilitated the signing of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Friday, aimed at establishing a path toward lasting peace.
However, ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon have put this ceasefire at risk.
The leader of Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, accusing the Lebanese government of compromising the country’s sovereignty.
Two days after the signing, the Israeli military reported striking a 200-meter tunnel used by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, claiming it housed hundreds of weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the US was informed prior to this attack.
Tehran has asserted that hostilities in Lebanon must cease for a broader ceasefire agreement to hold.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong