Iran FM: Negotiations with US postponed until violations end

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States will not be possible unless the US ends its violations of a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU). Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Tehran, Araghchi emphasised that no negotiations are currently underway between the two sides, according to Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. “Although messages are exchanged through mediators, this process is not called negotiation,” he said. Araghchi revealed that while some mediating countries are attempting to resume talks, this cannot happen until the American side ends its violations of the MoU and provides compensation for the breaches. Commenting on ongoing talks between Iran and Oman about establishing a new maritime traffic arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz, he said negotiations with Muscat are continuing and have progressed well so far. However, he clarified that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the fulfilment of other conditions communicated to the US through mediators. Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz on 28 February, prohibiting the safe passage of vessels owned by or affiliated with Israel and the US, following a joint attack by the two countries on Iranian territory. In June, Iran and the US signed an MoU regarding a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The two sides were scheduled to hold talks within 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the latest escalation in the region has cast uncertainty over the continuation of those negotiations.