The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports the Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it will not accept the terms of the June memorandum of understanding with Iran and is instead applying economic pressure while watching to see if that strategy works. The June MOU would have offered sanctions relief and access to frozen overseas funds in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching talks on nuclear issues and ending hostilities; it collapse

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports the Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it will not accept the terms of the June memorandum of understanding with Iran and is instead applying economic pressure while watching to see if that strategy works. The June MOU would have offered sanctions relief and access to frozen overseas funds in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching talks on nuclear issues and ending hostilities; it collapsed after Iranian attacks on ships. Iran insists the U.S. must resume implementation, arguing the deal’s fifth article effectively lets Tehran set conditions for reopening the strait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says Iran will only reopen the strait if the U.S. resumes the pact, grants oil-export waivers and ends the maritime blockade. Pakistan, Oman and Qatar have undertaken mediation with limited progress. Analysts cited by the WSJ say the June MOU is effectively defunct and both sides appear to be preparing for escalation.