Araghchi says The MoU called for ‘end to war,’ not 60-day ceasefire requiring extension
Iran’s Foreign Minister, stating that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding called for an “end to the war” rather than a ceasefire, said the US violated the memorandum and hostilities resumed; therefore, there was no 60-day ceasefire requiring extension
TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran has not yet decided to resume indirect negotiations with the United States, while clarifying that the Islamabad understanding between the two sides represented an “end to the war” rather than a 60-day ceasefire.
Responding o questions about the continuation of talks, the possible extension of the 60-day arrangement and an invitation from Pakistan for him and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf to visit Islamabad, Araghchi said the terms agreed in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had already declared an end to hostilities.
“The US violated the memorandum, and we once again witnessed the resumption of hostilities,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran therefore did not consider the situation as a ceasefire that could simply be extended.
He explained that the reference to 60 days related to a period allocated for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement, rather than a 60-day ceasefire.
Araghchi also confirmed that Pakistan and Qatar continue to act as mediators, maintaining communication and exchanging messages with Tehran. However, he stressed that such contacts should not be interpreted as the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States.
“No decision has yet been made to resume talks with the United States,” the Iranian foreign minister said.
Iran-Oman Talks Focus on Strait of Hormuz Routes
Turning to Iran’s discussions with Oman, Araghchi said the talks were continuing but were entirely separate from negotiations with Washington.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, the discussions with Oman are technical and focused on determining maritime routes for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said routes that were previously used by ships were no longer functional and that new routes needed to be established.
“We are currently in the process of designing a temporary route, which will later be converted into a permanent one,” Araghchi said.
He added that technical experts from Iran and Oman were conducting the discussions, with the armed forces also involved because of their authority over the matter.
Araghchi said the two sides could reach a conclusion on the maritime routes soon, but warned against linking the technical negotiations directly to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait Reopening Linked to US Conditions
The Iranian foreign minister stressed that determining safe maritime routes and reopening the Strait of Hormuz were two separate issues.
He said the technical negotiations with Oman were aimed only at establishing viable shipping routes, while any decision to fully reopen the strategic waterway would depend on the fulfillment of other conditions by the United States.
Araghchi’s remarks indicate that Tehran is keeping diplomatic channels open through regional mediators while maintaining that no decision has been taken to return to direct or indirect negotiations with Washington.
His comments also suggest that the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains tied not only to technical arrangements but also to broader political and security conditions between Iran and the United States..