Iran warns US that negotiations on a final nuclear agreement cannot move forward if Washington continues to issue military threats, escalating tensions despite recent diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran expects the United States to honour the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries after President Donald Trump declared that Washington would either secure a deal with Iran or “finish the job.”

Araghchi’s remarks came as thousands gathered in Tehran to pay tribute to former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Iranian leaders insisting that external pressure would not alter the country’s negotiating position.

Iran warns US over memorandum as Trump hardens tone

Iran warns US by pointing to Paragraph 13 of the memorandum of understanding, which Araghchi said clearly states that negotiations on a final agreement cannot commence while threats continue.

Posting on X, the Iranian foreign minister said millions of Iranians had united in support of the country’s leadership and armed forces, adding that Tehran remained unmoved by warnings from Washington.

The comments followed Trump’s remarks at the White House, where he reiterated that the United States would either reach an agreement with Iran or take decisive action. Trump also claimed Iran’s financial position had weakened significantly and suggested the US retained the ability to target key Iranian infrastructure if required.

The exchange reflects growing strain in diplomatic efforts even as both sides continue to discuss a possible framework for a broader agreement.

Also Read | Projectile hits tanker in Strait of Hormuz, fire breaks out near Oman’s coast

Representative image of Strait of Hormuz tensions amid Trump warning to Iran over shipping disruptions | AI generated
ZOOM IMAGE
Representative image of Strait of Hormuz tensions amid Trump warning to Iran over shipping disruptions | AI generated

Strait of Hormuz emerges as another flashpoint

According to NDTV, Iran warns US at a time when tensions are also rising around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi said any military or security activity in the strategic waterway without Tehran’s coordination would fail. He also revealed that legislation governing Iran’s management of the Strait of Hormuz would soon be presented before parliament.

His remarks followed reports of a commercial tanker catching fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s Limah. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said there were no casualties and that an investigation was underway.

Separately, Axios, citing US officials, reported that at least two missiles had been fired by Iranian forces towards commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Also Read | How Iran’s new regime differs from the old after Ali Khamenei’s death

Donald Trump
ZOOM IMAGE
Iran warns the US while attempting to preserve the diplomatic process outlined in the memorandum signed after the recent regional conflict. (X)

Diplomatic uncertainty clouds the path forward

According to NDTV, Iran warns US while attempting to preserve the diplomatic process outlined in the memorandum signed after the recent regional conflict. Tehran maintains that negotiations remain possible but only if Washington refrains from coercive rhetoric.

The latest exchange suggests both governments remain committed to keeping communication channels open, yet political messaging continues to complicate prospects for a comprehensive settlement.

The coming days are expected to determine whether diplomatic engagement can overcome renewed tensions or whether the disagreements over security and sanctions will once again delay progress.