The United States and Iran are set to resume technical talks in Qatar after Washington breached a fragile Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending aggression against Iran and securing safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

A US official confirmed late Sunday that both sides had agreed to stand down from attacks and resume discussions on the June 17 MoU, which covers all clauses including the safe movement of vessels.

“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MoU,” the official stated. “Both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely.”

Reports indicate the next round of discussions will take place on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar.

The diplomatic effort was revived following fresh US aggression against Iranian coastal surveillance facilities, which Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned as a blatant violation of the UN Charter and a direct breach of the recently signed MoU. Tehran emphasized that Washington had once again undermined its own commitments.

In response to the attacks on its territory, Iran exercised its inherent right to self-defense. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy carried out targeted strikes on US military positions, issuing a clear warning that any continued violations by Washington would meet firm retaliation.

Iran has consistently maintained that security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital waterway for global energy shipments — fall under its sovereign responsibility. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that the reopening and safe operation of the strait is solely Iran’s duty, rejecting any foreign interference or externally imposed arrangements.

For Tehran, the core issue remains one of national sovereignty and regional independence. Iranian officials have stressed that true stability in the Persian Gulf cannot be achieved through US military pressure, naval intimidation, or attempts to sideline regional states. They argue that genuine de-escalation must address the broader US-Israeli aggression across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, rather than isolating the Hormuz file.

Despite the return to talks, US President Donald Trump continued his bellicose rhetoric, threatening on Saturday that Iran “would no longer exist” if Washington is “forced” to resume the war.

Iranian leaders have made clear their commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights while remaining open to diplomatic solutions that respect Iran’s position and uphold the principles of the MoU. Tehran continues to call for the full implementation of the agreement, including the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports and an end to provocative military actions in the region. (ILKHA)