US and Iran Fail to Reach Agreement on Peace Framework Timeline
Talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East have once again reached an impasse. The two countries have yet to reach an agreement on the timeframe for implementing the temporary peace deal that had previously been agreed upon.
A senior Iranian official revealed that negotiators from both sides still hold sharp differences of view on a number of crucial points. The main focus of the discussions, which involved mediators, is the possible return of the US to the temporary agreement and the establishment of a clear schedule for carrying out their respective commitments.
“One of the issues being discussed via mediators is the return of the US to the temporary agreement and the setting of a timeframe for implementing those commitments. There has been no progress at all on this matter,” the official said.
In June, the US and Iran had actually agreed on a temporary memorandum of understanding. The document was designed as a bridge towards a complete cessation of war. Under the agreement, both parties agreed to permanently halt military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. In return, Washington granted Tehran permission to resume oil exports.
The agreement provided a 60-day deadline for both countries to hold negotiations to reach a final deal. However, the stability of the agreement was shaken when US President Donald Trump unilaterally terminated the agreement on 7 July, before the deadline expired. This move was followed by a statement from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspending the peace memorandum several days later.
The deadlock has been exacerbated by mutual accusations between Washington and Tehran. The US side accused Iran of failing to honour its promise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, Iran accused the US of neglecting its obligation to lift the economic blockade and unfreeze Iran’s seized assets.
Regarding a report from a Pakistani official to Anadolu claiming there was an agreement to extend the 60-day period in the memorandum, Iran issued a firm denial. An internal Iranian source stated that there were no discussions about an extension because the agreement was considered dead from the start.
“There are no talks about an extension because from Iran’s perspective no period ever began and therefore there is nothing to extend. The United States violated the temporary agreement 48 hours after it was agreed and withdrew from it a few days later,” the source asserted.
To date, no new common ground has been found regarding the continuation of the memorandum or a timeframe that could serve as a foundation for both countries to return to the negotiating table towards a final peace in the region.