The United States and Iran paused hostilities for a third consecutive night on Sunday, July 27th, 2026, as both sides sought to give peace talks another chance. Nearly two weeks of continuous strikes had nearly undone a landmark peace deal signed the previous month.

Hostilities had resumed after Washington accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, violating a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June. In response, Iran targeted US assets in Jordan and Gulf states. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis escalated tensions further by announcing a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, increasing pressure on the US and impacting global economies.

On Sunday, Iran confirmed it had halted its retaliatory campaign amid ongoing diplomatic talks but warned of severe consequences if the US resumed strikes. US officials stated that President Trump is willing to resume talks but cautioned that military assets continue to move into the region, and he is prepared to act if no progress is made.

Additionally, Tehran is engaged in a diplomatic dispute with Ukraine following a recent strike on an Iranian ship bound for Russia, which Iran said killed a sailor and vowed would not go unanswered.

Sources: Africanews

Sources