Washington and Tehran to “stand down” from strikes as talks set to continue, says US official

Washington, DC : Technical talks with Iran are scheduled to continue, indicating that both sides are actively working to de-escalate tensions, a US official told CBS News. Vessels will be allowed to move freely in the Strait of Hormuz, the official said. Additionally ABC News quoting an unnamed US Official reported that U.S. and Iran have agreed to stop attacks and allow vessels to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz. The official said technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the memorandum of understanding, but did not provide further details on timing. These signs of a potential breakthrough come at a critical juncture, given that the ongoing military conflict against Iran, which commenced four months ago, has placed significant stress on the global economy, triggered a spike in gas prices in the US, and severely strained America’s diplomatic relations with Israel and its traditional European allies. Tensions had peaked on Friday when Tehran asserted its authority over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, issuing a stern warning that safe passage through the vital waterway could only be guaranteed for maritime vessels that coordinated directly with the Iranian government.