Saudi outlets report that both Washington and Tehran submitted responses to a Pakistan- and Qatar-mediated proposal to restart talks, with Iran saying it has suspended — but not abandoned — negotiations under the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding. Iran also rejected a proposal to create a new corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. The developments follow two consecutive nights without US strikes after nearly two weeks of operations; Axios says President Trump approved strike plans for 13 days before ordering a hold.
US and Iran Reply to Pakistan-Qatar Mediation Bid as Strikes Pause
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives at the Burgenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, June 21, 2026 (photo credit: URS FLUEELER / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Saudi outlets Al Arabiya and Al Hadath report that the United States and Iran have both submitted responses to a Pakistan- and Qatar-mediated proposal to resume bilateral talks. A source told those outlets that Iran has not withdrawn from negotiations but has suspended them while remaining willing to continue dialogue under the terms of the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding. The source added that Iran told Pakistani officials it rejected a proposal to create a new corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments come after two consecutive nights without US strikes following nearly two weeks of sustained US military operations. Axios reported that for 13 days President Donald Trump approved strike plans presented by military officials each afternoon and those plans were generally carried out within hours. On Friday, however, Mr. Trump declined to authorize a new proposed strike plan and instructed the military not to launch further attacks.
“We’re talking to [the Iranians] right now. I think they’re getting more and more serious as the days go by. We’re locked and loaded and ready to go, but we’re talking to them,” President Trump told reporters at the White House after ordering a hold on new strikes.
woman stands next to Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles displayed at Azadi Square in Tehran, July 24, 2026 (credit: AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)
The report references AFP/Getty Images coverage of Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles displayed at Azadi Square in Tehran on July 24, 2026.
While both capitals have engaged with the Pakistan-Qatar initiative, the replies appear cautious: Tehran has suspended direct negotiations but signals willingness to resume under the existing memorandum, and important disputes — notably over the proposed Hormuz corridor — remain unresolved. It is not yet clear whether the pause in strikes will open a path to renewed diplomacy or simply a temporary lull in hostilities.
Sources: Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, Axios, AFP (via Getty Images).
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