Islamabad MoU in crisis after US strikes: Iran foreign ministry

Iran has accused the United States of violating the commitments outlined in the recently signed Islamabad memorandum, claiming the agreement has entered a crisis after Washington failed to uphold its obligations.

Tehran also said negotiations aimed at establishing a mechanism for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have stalled because of US pressure on Oman.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran had honored its commitments throughout the negotiation process, while accusing the United States of breaking the agreement.

According to Baghaei, Iran approached the talks in good faith and with a focus on protecting its national interests.

He argued that Washington moved away from its commitments before the one-month period specified under Article 5 of the memorandum had even expired.

He further claimed that the US had weakened the 14-point memorandum by removing several of its key provisions, effectively undermining the agreement's original framework.

The memorandum, signed on June 17, calls for a lasting end to hostilities between the two countries and outlines plans for additional negotiations within 60 days to work toward a comprehensive agreement. Under Article 5, responsibility for reopening and managing the Strait of Hormuz is assigned to Iran.

Baghaei also rejected comments made by US President Donald Trump suggesting that Iran was satisfied with developments related to its nuclear program.

He insisted that recent discussions held in Muscat were limited to maritime security and did not include any talks on nuclear issues.

He explained that the purpose of the Muscat meeting was to develop a joint mechanism with Oman to guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, he said external pressure on Oman prevented the two sides from reaching an agreement.

Reaffirming Iran's position, Baghaei said the country, as a coastal state, has the right to take necessary measures to protect its national interests and maintain security in its territorial waters.

He added that Iran would not allow the United States or Israel to use the strategic waterway in a manner that threatens Iranian interests. 

According to Baghaei, Tehran believes the Strait of Hormuz should remain under Iran's management, in coordination with Oman, to ensure both regional maritime safety and the protection of Iran's interests.