Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Jun 29: The United States and Iran have agreed to "stand down" and hold talks in Doha on June 30, according to a report, in a move aimed at easing tensions after weeks of military confrontation in West Asia.

The reported understanding comes amid a fragile situation following repeated exchanges between US and Iranian forces, which had raised fears of further escalation in the region.

The talks in Doha are expected to focus on reducing tensions and preventing further military action. The development follows a series of attacks and retaliatory strikes linked to the conflict that disrupted regional stability and affected shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had recently warned against attempts to bypass its preferred shipping route through the strategic waterway, saying alternative arrangements could increase tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass, has remained a major point of contention between Tehran and Washington.

The reported agreement follows US claims of strikes on Iranian military targets over what it described as attacks on commercial shipping, while Iran said it responded with retaliatory strikes against US positions in the Gulf.

Regional countries have expressed concern over the continued tensions, with fears that any further escalation could impact global energy supplies and security in the Gulf region.