TEHRAN: Iran has rejected claims that its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States imposed a binding 60-day deadline, saying the period was intended as a window for negotiations rather than a fixed ultimatum.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the MoU did not contain any provision establishing a mandatory 60-day deadline. He said the period was meant for discussions on sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Baqaei also said Tehran would not formulate its policies under pressure or externally imposed deadlines. Iran maintains that the understanding was violated by Washington shortly after it was reached, making the 60-day timeline irrelevant from Tehran’s perspective.
The development comes as the 60-day period linked to the US-Iran MoU reaches its end without a final agreement. The two sides remain divided over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest statement further complicates efforts to revive direct negotiations, although diplomatic channels through mediators remain important.
