Memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran approaches expiration date
The framework agreement with Iran kicked off a 60-day negotiating period about the future of the country’s nuclear program, but a feud over the Strait of Hormuz has thrown talks off course.
WASHINGTON —
A framework agreement between the United States and Iran is due to expire on Monday, the latest diplomatic test as the conflict nears the six-month mark.
The White House didn’t immediately respond when asked if the memorandum of understanding could be extended before it officially lapses.
The preliminary deal, signed back in June, called for a permanent end to military action and started a 60-day negotiating period to reach a final deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
Since then, the U.S. and Iran have repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreement. Talks have stalled amid a feud over the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial oil shipping route where traffic has been disrupted for months.
Vessels continue to come under fire as both sides claim to be in control of the waterway that was completely open before the war.
Trump escalated his rhetoric during a Friday night speech.
“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon, I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi mocked Trump’s comments in a social media post.
“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power,” Gharibabadi said.
U.S. Central Command released photos Saturday of the USS George Washington as the aircraft carrier moves into the Middle East, shifting resources away from the western Pacific, where the ship served as an obstacle to China’s military ambitions.
It’s expected to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln following a record-long deployment. Democrats continue to demand answers and accountability following reports of poor conditions aboard the Lincoln. The Pentagon has accused the media of misrepresenting conditions.