Iran says 60-day deadline 'lost relevance' after US violations

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that the 60-day negotiation period outlined in the June 17 memorandum of understanding with Washington has "completely lost its relevance" following what Tehran described as "flagrant" violations by the United States, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Memorandum terms

Baqaei told reporters at a weekly news conference that the document never contained any provision referring to a "60-day deadline," stressing that the Islamic Republic does not formulate policies under pressure, ultimatums or time limits. The memorandum instead envisaged a 60-day timeframe for talks on sanctions relief and nuclear issues, which could have been extended absent an agreement, he noted.

US violations prevent dialogue

"Due to the flagrant and widespread violation of the memorandum of understanding by the United States, no dialogue was started just a few weeks after its signing," Baqaei said. "As a result, the discussion of the 60-day deadline completely lost its relevance," he added, underscoring that Washington's actions had undermined the diplomatic framework before discussions could begin.

Strait of Hormuz negotiations

The spokesman said negotiations with Oman regarding maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz are continuing despite ongoing security complications. "Compilation of the maritime traffic route map with Oman has taken time due to the security complications caused by the actions of the US and the Israeli regime, the multiplicity of actors and the disruption of malicious currents," he said.

The June 17 memorandum was signed as part of broader efforts to reduce tensions in the region following months of escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. The document aimed to establish a framework for addressing nuclear concerns while facilitating maritime security in the strategic waterway that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.