TEHRAN/DOHA – Iran said Sunday it has halted retaliatory attacks after the United States stopped its strikes on the country for the past two nights.

"These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks," Iran's army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the United States is exchanging messages with Iran through mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, according to Iranian media reports, citing his remarks in an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF.

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Baghaei stressed in the interview that for any dialogue to be formed, the "proper ground" must be prepared, noting that the United States has destroyed such a ground, Iranian media reported on Sunday.

He accused Washington of violating "all its provisions" in practice under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.

The spokesman said Iran's current priority "is to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and protect its people against the war crimes that are being perpetrated by the United States".

Under the MoU signed on June 18, the United States and Iran were scheduled to hold talks within a period of 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the talks' fate is hanging in the balance following renewed clashes between the two over the past two weeks.

Qatari PM, Saudi foreign minister discuss de-escalation

Also on Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to adhere to dialogue and diplomacy, implement the US-Iran peace MoU, and ensure the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard regional security and stability, according to a statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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He also reaffirmed Qatar's full support for all efforts aimed at easing tensions and reaching a comprehensive agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region, the statement read.

The two ministers also reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen cooperation, it added.