Tehran, Iran – The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied that the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States stipulated a 60-day timeframe as a fixed period for a ceasefire or temporary truce between the two sides. The ministry emphasized that the memorandum outlines a timeframe for negotiations and efforts to reach understandings on outstanding issues. However, it clarified that it does not set a deadline for the expiration of any agreement or an automatic return to escalation.
Tehran clarified that interpreting the 60-day deadline as the end of the truce does not align with the content of the memorandum of understanding. It also indicated that the document pertains to ending the war and creating the conditions for resuming the political and negotiating process. These Iranian statements come amidst ongoing disagreements with Washington on several issues, most notably the Iranian nuclear program, economic sanctions, and the guarantees required for any new agreement. Additionally, there are issues related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran emphasized that the expiration of the specified timeframe does not necessarily signify the collapse of the existing understandings, asserting that the future of negotiations will be determined by political developments and the positions of both sides in the coming period.
The Iranian stance comes at a time when regional and international actors are seeking to prevent a renewed escalation between Tehran and Washington. These actors are also working to push for a resumption of dialogue to reach a more comprehensive formula that guarantees a reduction in tensions and addresses contentious issues. Tehran believes that any new agreement must include clear commitments from the American side, particularly regarding the lifting of sanctions and the provision of guarantees that prevent a recurrence of actions that Iran considers violations of previous understandings.
