Washington and Tehran agree to halt strikes, US official says The United States and Iran will temporarily halt strikes and allow ships to sail freely as technical negotiations on all aspects of the memorandum of understanding resume, a US official told Reuters. The development follows days of military exchanges between the two countries in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the official, technical talks are scheduled to restart on all items covered by the agreement as both sides seek to stabilise the situation and advance negotiations.