Trump rejects June Iran deal terms, complicating Strait of Hormuz talks

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled disinterest in reviving the terms of a June Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, a move that significantly complicates diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Sources close to the matter told the WSJ that Trump's administration is unwilling to revert to the agreement reached with Iran earlier this summer. This stance has created hurdles for restarting negotiations. The administration has maintained a naval blockade and is pursuing "Operation Economic Outcast" to isolate Iran economically. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated that no talks with Iran are currently scheduled or ongoing.

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As the president said, there are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iranian hardliners have presented obstacles to Trump's foreign policy objectives, demanding that the U.S. recognize Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz and withdraw its warships from the area. Iranian officials have cautioned the U.S. administration against departing from the June MoU, with senior legislator Mohammad Rashidi telling Iranian state news outlet Icana that "no proposal outside the framework of understanding will be accepted."

Regional mediators, including representatives from Pakistan and Oman, have attempted to influence Iran's demands with limited success. Sources indicated that Pakistani army chief Asim Munir left Tehran with little to show for his efforts. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi also met with Iranian officials, reportedly reaching an agreement that could lead to talks to reopen Hormuz. However, the U.S. administration has expressed displeasure with Oman, believing Muscat conceded too much to Tehran, while Oman has yet to officially comment on the outcome of the meeting.

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The administration should know that no proposal outside the framework of understanding will be accepted.