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.
