US and Iran Agree to Ceasefire, Resume Talks to Ensure Free Passage for Merchant Ships

Key News on US-Iran War

(CNA Washington, April 28, Combined Reports) A US official said today that Washington and Tehran have agreed to a ceasefire after a new round of tit-for-tat attacks strained a temporary agreement. The two sides also plan to resume negotiations in an effort to end the Middle East war.

AFP reported that these exchanges of fire highlighted how fragile the agreement brokered by Pakistan is. The agreement aims to end the conflict, which has caused thousands of deaths and disrupted oil transport through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Although the ceasefire agreement took effect in April, sporadic violence has continued in the Persian Gulf region, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has often been a flashpoint for conflict.

A US official told AFP via email tonight that technical talks in all relevant areas are expected to continue regarding the memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran.

The official said, "Both sides will now make concessions, and ships will be able to pass freely" through the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters.

Iran has not immediately commented on the US statement, and the US official did not confirm reports in US media that negotiations would resume on the 30th in Qatar.

Tehran has insisted on controlling navigation rights in this crucial strait. In peacetime, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas is transported through this strait, and Iran did not have this control before the outbreak of the war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned today that any vessel attempting to bypass Iran's preferred shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz would "exacerbate" tensions in the Middle East.

Although the Strait of Hormuz is composed of the territorial waters of Oman and Iran, under customary international law, neither country may generally impede the passage of vessels or charge transit fees.

Nevertheless, Iran has prevented most ships from using this narrow waterway during the war, giving Tehran significant economic leverage, which it now appears reluctant to relinquish.

Tehran's actions to assert control have repeatedly led to escalations of conflict with Washington. The latest conflict occurred early this morning, when the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that US forces had attacked 10 Iranian military targets due to "Iran's continued infringements on merchant shipping."

Iran stated that it had launched retaliatory attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Both Kuwait and Bahrain condemned these Iranian attacks. (Compiled by Chen Yu-ting) 1150629

Stand with facts, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

This website's text, images, and videos may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.