Pakistan, June 29 -- The United States and Iran have agreed to halt attacks against each other and resume negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a US official.

The announcement follows several days of renewed military exchanges despite a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 17 to reduce tensions. The agreement was designed to pave the way for a broader settlement after months of conflict that began in late February and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the MOU, Iran agreed to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, while the United States committed to lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. A US official said technical discu...