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Iran signals no talks with U.S., focuses on defense amid military escalation
🇴🇲 Oman /Conflict & Security

Iran signals no talks with U.S., focuses on defense amid military escalation

From Times of Oman · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry stated the country has no plans for negotiations with the U.S. and is focusing on defense.
  • Tehran claims the U.S. violated commitments under a recent memorandum of understanding, leading Iran to cease its own obligations.
  • Iran's armed forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any U.S. military action.

Iran has no intention of resuming negotiations with the United States and is instead prioritizing its defense capabilities amid escalating military confrontations in West Asia, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran no longer considers itself bound by a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Washington aimed at de-escalating regional hostilities.

We currently have no plans for negotiations and are focused on defence.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiIranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson on the country's current diplomatic and military stance.

Baghaei asserted that Iran's decision to halt its commitments stems from the U.S. allegedly violating its obligations under the June 17 MoU. "We currently have no plans for negotiations and are focused on defence," Baghaei said, responding to U.S. claims that military operations would compel Tehran back to the negotiating table. He explained that an MoU involves mutual commitments, and a breach by one party releases the other from its obligations.

An MoU is a set of mutual commitments, and in the event of a breach by the other party, we too will refrain from fulfilling our obligations; this is a principle, and this same path will be followed henceforth.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiExplaining Iran's rationale for withdrawing from its commitments under the MoU.

According to Press TV, Baghaei accused Washington of acting in bad faith from the outset of the agreement. "The other party has engaged in bad faith and breach of promise (beginning) from the very first article (of the MoU)," he added. He also indicated broad domestic support within Iran for resisting perceived U.S. pressure and warned that the country's armed forces would retaliate against any military action.

The other party has engaged in bad faith and breach of promise (beginning) from the very first article (of the MoU).

— Esmaeil BaghaeiAccusing the United States of violating the terms of the MoU.

These remarks come as U.S. military strikes continue on coastal areas in southern Iran. Washington maintains these operations aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities that could threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran disputes these claims, asserting its responsibility for managing transit through the Strait under the MoU. Tensions have heightened recently, with reciprocal strikes exchanged between Iran and the U.S. on regional bases and assets.

Our armed forces will respond with full force to any aggressor. If they strike, they will be struck back.

— Esmaeil BaghaeiWarning of a forceful military response to any U.S. aggression.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Times of Oman in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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