ALBAWABA- US President Donald Trump said Monday that Washington does not intend to extend the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with Iran, as the agreement’s 60-day negotiating period expired.
Asked by reporters whether the United States was seeking an extension, Trump replied, “No.” He said Iran wants an agreement but has not accepted the terms Washington considers necessary to end the conflict, adding that Tehran is “not currently prepared to accept the US conditions.”
Known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement was signed on June 17, 2026, by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistan serving as the main mediator and Qatar and other regional actors providing additional support. The framework was intended to halt hostilities and provide 60 days for negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement.
The 14-point agreement called for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including related fighting in Lebanon. It also committed both sides to respect sovereignty and refrain from the threat or use of force.
Key provisions included the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, safe and toll-free passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of mines and other obstacles from the waterway. The framework also envisaged discussions on sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets and a potential US-led reconstruction package worth at least $300 billion.
The agreement further called for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, including measures to reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The framework initially raised hopes of easing regional tensions and restoring commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
However, implementation quickly faltered. Trump declared the MoU “over” in early July, while Iran accused Washington of violating its commitments. Direct negotiations subsequently stalled, and efforts to restore normal navigation through the strait made limited progress.
With no extension agreed, uncertainty has increased over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing hostilities, Iran’s nuclear activities and the sanctions regime.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran has decided to shift from a primarily defensive posture to a “fully offensive” one because of the diplomatic deadlock, warning that the failure of diplomacy could trigger further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and across the region.
Iranian military officials have also warned of possible “strategic surprises” and indicated that offensive operations remain an option. Pakistani and Qatari mediators have continued efforts to keep diplomatic channels open, but no final agreement has emerged. Trump’s rejection of an extension leaves the 60-day framework expired and the prospects for a near-term diplomatic breakthrough increasingly uncertain.
