Tehran: Iran on Saturday called on the US to abide by the framework deal the countries reached this June, saying the Pakistani-brokered pact represents a sovereign decision approved by the country's highest leadership. Interior Ministry spokesman Ali Zainvand made the remarks while commenting on a possible visit to Tehran by Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, according to Iranian state TV.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zainvand emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts being made by numerous countries to resolve the current tension and bring the involved parties back to an understanding. He highlighted Pakistan's significant role in mediation and the vigorous continuation of diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving the issues at hand.
Zainvand mentioned that international diplomatic efforts and mediation are still actively underway to address the problems and return to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the official name of the agreement. He stressed that the US must respect the agreement's value and adhere to its provisions, urging the US to abide by the terms of the Islamabad agreement.
The spokesman reiterated that the memorandum represented a significant sovereign decision for Iran and had the approval of the country's senior leadership. He stated that Iran's demand is for the other side to return to this agreement, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments made.
Reports suggest that Naqvi, who has played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran, may visit the Iranian capital again in the coming days. This comes in the wake of a conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched a war against Iran, leading Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and gas exports.
The framework deal, signed on June 17, was intended to halt military operations and arrange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to navigation. However, implementation faced hurdles amid disputes over its terms, and navigation through the strait, with fighting resuming in July.