U.S. Says It Will Keep Technical Talks With Iran Amid Recent Airstrikes
Despite a series of retaliatory strikes, the United States announced it will continue technical negotiations with Iran while seeking a broader resolution to the conflict.
The United States will maintain "technical talks" with Iran, a U.S. official told MS Now, emphasizing a continued commitment to a diplomatic solution even as both sides have exchanged airstrikes this week. The official said President Donald Trump has labeled Iran's attacks on commercial vessels as "acts of terrorism" and described the cease-fire memorandum as performance-based, noting that Iran's recent actions represent "failed performance at an unacceptable level."
Trump, speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, declared the cease-fire "over" and later expressed skepticism about Iran's willingness to honor any new agreement. He said Iran had recently contacted the United States to propose a deal, but he questioned its credibility.
Iranian officials have countered that the United States has not complied with the memorandum, citing alleged violations of adjustments in the Strait of Hormuz, ongoing threats of further strikes, and the reinstatement of oil sanctions. In response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait, the U.S. military carried out additional offensive strikes against Iranian targets, and the Treasury Department revoked a waiver that had permitted Iran to sell oil.