The US-based publication Axios reports that Iran and the United States are close to an agreement to halt mutual attacks in the Gulf region, with direct talks expected to take place in Doha, Qatar, in the coming days. Axios journalist Barak Ravid wrote on Sunday evening that a senior US official said Washington and Tehran have agreed to stop attacks against each other. According to the official, both sides are expected to meet in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on Tuesday to discuss disputes related to the Strait of Hormuz and explore possible solutions. The report says the focus of the talks will be the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has meanwhile described recent tensions with the United States as a result of Washington’s interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking during a visit to Iraq, said that the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in line with understandings with the United States, is solely under Tehran’s authority, and that any interference could disrupt the process and further escalate tensions.
