Iran Demands US Return to Interim Deal, Rejects Ceasefire Extension Talks

According to a senior Iranian source speaking on Wednesday, no talks have taken place on extending a 60-day ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. under an interim deal, with Tehran demanding that Washington return to the pact and define a timeframe to implement its commitments.

Ceasefire Extension Rumors Denied by Tehran

Reports regarding an extension emerged after Turkey’s Anadolu news agency cited Pakistani government sources claiming that Tehran and Washington agreed to extend a 60-day ceasefire under a Memorandum of Understanding. However, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that these reports are incorrect. “There has been absolutely no progress on this issue,” the source stated.

Messages between the two nations are currently being exchanged via intermediaries Pakistan and Qatar, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Araqchi noted on Sunday that Iran and the U.S. are not engaged in talks and that Tehran will not start them as long as Washington breaches the interim agreement.

The Collapse of the June Interim Pact

The fractured interim deal was signed in June between Tehran and Washington. It declared an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts. Despite high hopes, the agreement quickly unravelled. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the pact over on July 7, while Tehran repeatedly accused Washington of consistently violating its commitments.

“There is no talk of an extension because the United States violated the interim agreement 48 hours after it was reached and withdrew from it a few days later,” the senior Iranian source told Reuters.

Strait of Hormuz and Remaining Obstacles

The path to a lasting peace hit an impasse over a range of issues, including disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to initiating any subsequent round of negotiations, certain prerequisites were deemed mandatory, including an end to hostilities in Lebanon, unrestricted passage through the Gulf, and the granting of U.S. waivers enabling Iran to export its petroleum.

Instead, the vital shipping route remains closed. Twenty percent of global petroleum and liquefied natural gas passes through this maritime corridor, which authorities in Tehran insist will remain shut until Washington alters its policy and complies with Iranian prerequisites for concluding the conflict, including the release of blocked financial assets abroad.

The military conflict commenced when U.S. and Israeli forces launched air raids against Iran on February 28, prompting authorities in Tehran to shut down transit through the strait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the U.S. and Iran currently holding direct talks?

No. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Iran and the U.S. are not engaged in talks. Messages are instead being exchanged via intermediaries Pakistan and Qatar.

What happened to the June interim deal?

The June interim deal, which declared an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, unraveled quickly. U.S. President Donald Trump stated the pact was over on July 7, while Tehran accused Washington of consistently violating its commitments.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz closed?

Following the outbreak of the war sparked by U.S.-Israeli bombardments of Iran on February 28, the passage was effectively sealed by Tehran. Representatives for the Iranian government declare that transit will not resume until Washington reverses its current course and fulfills Tehran’s demands for terminating hostilities, which entail the liberation of frozen Iranian bank accounts overseas.