Trump Demands Iran Raise White Flag as MoU Expires

U.S. The demand came as the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that had been negotiated several months earlier to end hostilities expired without renewal. Trump emphasized that he is “not in a hurry” to reach a new deal, despite the approaching U.S. midterm elections, and asserted that his administration has opened a direct back-channel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He also warned that the United States could bomb the ally Oman if the Gulf nation “gets in the way” of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Al Jazeera (website)

The MoU, which took effect in mid-June, was intended to halt fighting and create a framework for maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that Iran has blockaded. Both parties have accused each other of violating the truce since its inception, and no extension has been announced as the agreement lapsed.

Al Jazeera (website)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Iran and Oman are working on a joint declaration to protect the interests of both littoral states while ensuring safe commercial passage. The United States has not issued a formal response beyond the president’s interview remarks.

Al Jazeera (website)

• “This is the first time that a mechanism is being developed to simultaneously safeguard the sovereign rights of the two littoral states and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels,” — Baghaei. Expired

Al Jazeera (website)