Iran signals immediate reciprocity if US honors interim deal

Iran will immediately reciprocate if the United States returns to its commitments under an interim agreement signed in June, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said.

Pezeshkian made the remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, following the first exchange of direct attacks in the US-Iran conflict since late July. The United States struck Larak Island, after which Iran launched attacks on two U.S. air bases in Jordan, Reuters reports.

“I am stating clearly that if the U.S. returns to its commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately reciprocate,” Pezeshkian said.

The Iranian president was referring to an interim agreement signed in June between Tehran and Washington as part of efforts to end the war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The agreement quickly unraveled amid disagreements over its implementation.

Tehran has repeatedly said it will allow free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil supplies, only if Washington implements the terms of the agreement.

Pezeshkian said in Bishkek that war was in no one’s interest and reiterated that Tehran remained open to a negotiated solution to its conflict with Washington.

By Vafa Guliyeva