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Esmaeil Baqaei rules out extending the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran as negotiations reach a deadlock.

Esmaeil Baqaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, ruled out talks to extend the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. The agreement, which was intended to provide a 60-day window for peace negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has effectively collapsed due to vague wording and mutual violations by both sides. Baqaei stated that because the United States violated the understanding from the beginning, the 60-day deadline is no longer relevant. The memorandum was signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and President Trump during a period of high-level talks mediated by Pakistan. While the administration announced the agreement would include a $300 billion reconstruction package for Iran and the lifting of sanctions, disagreements over maritime routes and the lack of mention of Israel's role in Lebanon led to renewed hostilities. The administration announced that the agreement was officially over on July 7. Currently, Iran is pursuing independent talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz while the U.S. continues to maintain its naval blockade and oil sanctions.

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