The United States and Iran are seeking dialogue after exchanging attacks over two days. President Donald Trump declared that the "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and ceasefire are over." However, the White House stated that "practical discussions with Iran are ongoing." Middle Eastern countries are also mediating to prevent further clashes and facilitate follow-up talks.
On July 9, according to Axios and Reuters, a senior U.S. official said, "The U.S. is still pursuing a diplomatic resolution, and practical discussions are continuing." This statement followed a meeting where Trump discussed the situation with national security advisors.
Despite Trump's remarks, the White House has not officially confirmed the termination of the MOU. However, it emphasized that Iran must adhere to its commitments to continue dialogue.
The U.S. official noted, "The MOU is an agreement based on mutual compliance," adding that Iran's actions constitute an unacceptable violation of the agreement. While strongly criticizing Iran's attacks on commercial vessels, the U.S. has left the door open for a diplomatic resolution.
U.S. and Iran Exchange Attacks, Maintain Readiness for Further Strikes
The recent clashes began with attacks on commercial vessels in the Hormuz Strait. The U.S. attributed the first attack to Iran and launched airstrikes in response. Iran claimed to have retaliated by targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Subsequently, the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities, targeting approximately 90 sites, including air defense systems and missile storage facilities.
Iran also launched a second counterattack, claiming to have targeted Patriot missile systems in Kuwait, early warning facilities in Qatar, and U.S. fuel storage sites in Bahrain. It also asserted that it fired ballistic missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan.
After both sides exchanged attacks, no new strikes have been confirmed. Local reports indicated an explosion in southern Iran, but U.S. officials stated, "The U.S. did not conduct follow-up airstrikes."
While the U.S. maintains readiness for additional strikes, it is currently prioritizing diplomacy. According to CNN, a U.S. official stated, "Backchannel diplomacy is underway to de-escalate tensions." The U.S. has opted to pause attacks for a period after airstrikes to allow time for negotiations.
At the same time, military pressure has not been lifted. The U.S. is using its list of potential targets as leverage in negotiations. Officials indicated that while they were prepared for airstrikes if necessary on the night of July 9, they are currently prioritizing diplomatic solutions. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier deployed in the Arabian Sea, has also prepared its aircraft for potential deployment, leaving open the possibility of resuming attacks depending on the situation.
Mediating Countries Push for Follow-Up Talks, Control of Hormuz Remains Key Issue
Qatar and Pakistan are leading mediation efforts to ease tensions. Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have also urged both sides to exercise restraint. These countries are working to schedule the next meeting between the two sides' negotiating teams after preventing further hostilities.
However, a new ceasefire has not been established, nor have measures under the MOU been reinstated. Currently, both sides are in the process of negotiating conditions to lower military tensions and resume dialogue.
The primary point of contention remains the Hormuz Strait. The MOU includes provisions for keeping the strait open for 60 days without tolls. However, both sides are at odds over who will manage vessel traffic.
Iran argues that the MOU does not eliminate its authority over the strait. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated, "The number of vessels passing through the strait under our supervision has recovered to about 50% of pre-war levels in the past two weeks."
The U.S. counters that Iran has no authority to control the strait. The U.S. stated, "Since May, we have facilitated the passage of over 800 commercial vessels and 380 million barrels of oil," denying Iran's claims of control.
Mediating countries aim to halt hostilities and revive nuclear negotiations. However, they must first resolve the management of traffic in the Hormuz Strait and accountability for MOU violations. If the differences between the two sides are not narrowed, hostilities could resume even if practical discussions continue.
The U.S. is pursuing a diplomatic resolution while keeping the option of additional airstrikes as leverage. Iran also has reasons to return to negotiations but shows no willingness to concede control over the Hormuz Strait. The outcome of follow-up discussions will determine whether both sides can halt armed conflict and revive a ceasefire.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.