Agencies | Washington/Thran:
Iran’s top negotiator has warned that the era of “wasting time and dictating demands is over”, insisting that the United States must fulfil conditions agreed under the June memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic tensions and continued military escalation across the region, with Tehran and Washington yet to bridge major differences over the terms for ending the conflict. Iran has previously demanded that the US implement commitments contained in the June agreement before substantive negotiations can move forward.
The June MoU included provisions concerning the cessation of hostilities, sanctions, Iranian assets and arrangements relating to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has subsequently set out additional conditions for renewed engagement with Washington.
US President Donald Trump has meanwhile indicated that a decision on Iran is approaching, saying the remaining choice was between “the easy way” and “the hard way”.
Trump’s remarks came as efforts to find a diplomatic way out of the conflict remained stalled. Iran has proposed a seven-day roadmap aimed at reviving the June understanding, including a halt to hostilities and steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The comments have raised fresh concerns over the possibility of further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement.
The regional conflict has also intensified in Yemen, where Saudi-backed government forces have carried out air attacks on Houthi-controlled areas, including the capital Sanaa.
The escalation has coincided with further displacement of civilians as fighting continues in parts of the country.
The developments add another layer to the wider regional crisis, with Yemen remaining closely linked to the broader confrontation involving Iran, the United States and their respective regional partners.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported another attack involving a crude oil tanker off the coast of Oman.
The reported incident was described as the third attack on a ship in the area in two days, adding to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in waters surrounding the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
The maritime incidents have heightened concerns over a potential disruption to one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
The latest developments come as Washington and Tehran remain locked in a dispute over the terms for renewed negotiations, with Iran insisting that previously agreed commitments be honoured while the US continues to press for its own conditions.
