SAEDNEWS: Iran has accused the United States of destroying the basis for diplomatic dialogue by committing what it described as a "flagrant and serious violation" of the 14-point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. According to Iranian officials, the alleged breach has further damaged trust between the two countries.
According to Saednews, Iran has accused the United States of violating a recent agreement and undermining diplomatic efforts, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.
Speaking to Austria's ORF television, Baqaei said the international community expected Washington to honor its commitments but claimed the U.S. instead violated multiple provisions of the agreement. He described the move as another setback for diplomacy.
Baqaei confirmed that indirect communication between Tehran and Washington is continuing through mediators, including Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar. However, he argued that meaningful dialogue requires trust, which he said had been damaged by U.S. actions.
He emphasized that Iran did not seek conflict and said the country was forced to defend itself after being attacked. According to Baqaei, Iran remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.
Regarding maritime security, Baqaei stated that Iran fulfilled its obligations to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He cited Article 5 of the memorandum, which reportedly established a 30-day period to restore commercial shipping between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to pre-conflict conditions.
According to Baqaei, Iran carried out its responsibilities under the agreement. However, he alleged that around three weeks after the memorandum was signed, the United States launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, citing incidents involving commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also claimed that the United States later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and introduced a 20% tariff on vessels transiting the strait, describing these measures as violations of the agreement.
Baqaei said Iran's priority remains defending the country and protecting its citizens from what he described as war crimes committed by the United States.
When asked about the possibility of long-term peace in the region, Baqaei said achieving lasting stability remains difficult because, in his view, there are forces that continue to favor conflict. He also pointed to what he described as decades of aggression by Israel against countries in the region.
