The United States and Iran have agreed to halt military strikes and return to the negotiating table following a tense weekend of exchanges in the Gulf, according to a U.S. official. The agreement, which calls for a mutual stand-down, is intended to create space for diplomatic talks expected to take place this week, with Doha, Qatar serving as the likely venue.

The clashes escalated after U.S. strikes prompted Iran to carry out retaliatory attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. Iran also threatened to halt ongoing peace negotiations in response to the American military action, raising fears that a broader conflict could derail months of diplomatic effort. The stand-down agreement appears to have stabilized the immediate situation, though officials on both sides have signaled that the path forward remains fragile.

Talks between Washington and Tehran have been focused on Iran's nuclear program and broader regional security concerns, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration has pursued a negotiated resolution while maintaining a posture of military pressure. The weekend strikes represented the most direct military confrontation between the two countries in the current diplomatic cycle.

The agreement to pause hostilities was confirmed by a U.S. official and reported across multiple outlets before either government made a formal public statement. Qatar, which has historically served as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, is expected to host the next round of discussions. The outcome of those talks remains uncertain given the volatility of the past several days.