US says it has agreed with Iran to 'stand down' after trading strikes, reports say
BBC News 2026-06-29 04:52:17
Context: The US and Iran have agreed to a "stand down" following an exchange of strikes over the past few days, with a US official confirming to CBS News that vessels will now be able to move through the Strait of Hormuz "freely". This development comes after several attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations accusing each other of violating their ceasefire. The agreement was reached after a series of retaliatory strikes between the two countries.
Key Facts
- The US and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 17, which included an "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts" and Iran's agreement to use its "best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days".
- On Thursday, an Iranian projectile hit a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the US to retaliate with a series of strikes on Iran on Saturday, hitting multiple targets in response to the "continued aggression" against commercial shipping.
- Iran responded with strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on Saturday, but the US claimed that none of these attacks reached their targets and there were no casualties or damage.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipments, and was effectively closed by Tehran after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February.
- The US mediated the signing of a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Friday, aimed at paving the way to a lasting peace, but the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group has rejected the agreement and accused the Beirut government of undermining Lebanon's sovereignty.