WANA (Aug 15) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has not yet decided to resume negotiations with the United States, stressing that what was outlined in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was an end to the war, not a ceasefire that could be extended.

 

Araghchi said that the end of the war was declared under the Islamabad memorandum, but the United States violated the understanding, leading to the resumption of hostilities.

 

He explained that the 60-day period mentioned in the memorandum was intended to provide time for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement and was not related to extending a ceasefire.

 

Araghchi said Qatar and Pakistan continue to exchange messages and remain in contact with Iran, but emphasized that such communications do not constitute negotiations. He added that Iran has not yet made a decision to resume talks with Washington.

 

The foreign minister also described the ongoing talks between Iran and Oman as a separate matter, saying they are technical discussions focused on determining maritime routes for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

According to Araghchi, the routes previously used are no longer suitable, and the two sides are working on a temporary route that could eventually become the permanent route. He said experts from both countries, along with Iran’s armed forces, are involved in the process.

 

Araghchi stressed that determining a maritime route and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are two entirely separate issues. He said that even after a new route is established, the resumption of vessel traffic through the strait would depend on the fulfillment of other conditions to which the United States would have to adhere.