Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on July 22 that Tehran is ready to return to the terms of a temporary agreement reached with the US in June, which aimed at moving toward ending the war, provided that Washington also fulfills its corresponding commitments.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on July 22, President Pezeshkian stated: “I declare clearly that if the US returns to its commitments under the memorandum of understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately respond.” The statement, quoted by the state news agency IRNA, came a day after the first direct clash between the US and Iran in nearly a month.
Specifically, US forces attacked Larak Island, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes on two US air bases in Jordan. This is the latest escalation in a series of tensions that have persisted for months, mainly centered around the Strait of Hormuz.
In mid-June, Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, which stipulated extending the ceasefire and opening a 60-day negotiation phase aimed at ending the war that began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran.
Under the MoU terms, Iran agreed to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz and allow vessels to pass during this period. In return, the US committed to ending its naval blockade, lifting sanctions, granting waivers for Iran's oil exports, and beginning to build a reconstruction package for the country.
However, the ceasefire collapsed after just a few weeks as both sides continued launching airstrikes against each other amid Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The MoU subsequently lapsed last month.
President Pezeshkian criticized: “The US commitment to the document signed by its president lasted less than two weeks, followed by excessive demands and broken promises, which continues to this day.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also emphasized that the US has “broken its promises” under the MoU.
On the mediator side, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on July 22 that the “sincere implementation” of the MoU signed in June remains the “only way forward” to end the war between the US-Israel and Iran. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari also warned that “a return to escalation in the region is not in anyone's interest” and said Qatar is working with all parties to reach a peaceful solution and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, officials from Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman visited Tehran for negotiations in a new diplomatic effort, ahead of the latest series of attacks between Iran and the US.
