Iran says no progress on reviving interim peace deal with US

Iran has stated that there has been no progress in reviving the interim peace deal with the United States, according to a senior Iranian source. The comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with the U.S. President Donald Trump issuing another sharp critique of Iran’s leadership, further complicating prospects for a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict. The dispute centers around whether the two nations can agree on terms to end hostilities and restore stability in the Gulf. The interim agreement, signed in June, aimed to halt military operations on all fronts and establish a framework for a long-term peace deal. However, the agreement quickly collapsed, with Trump declaring it “over” just days after signing it, and Iran’s foreign ministry stating it was “suspended.” The U.S. accuses Iran of failing to fulfill its obligations, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil exports. Iran, in turn, alleges that Washington has not honored its commitments, including lifting economic sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian assets. Despite repeated calls for dialogue, the situation has deteriorated further. On Wednesday, Trump claimed the U.S. maintains “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, a statement that contradicts the position of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which Iran established to manage the waterway. According to the authority, the strait remains closed and will not be reopened until Iran’s conditions are met. This disagreement highlights the deepening divide between the two nations, with neither side willing to compromise on key demands. Throughout the conflict, Trump has oscillated between threats of increased military action and optimistic statements about achieving peace. His rhetoric has often undermined diplomatic efforts, casting doubt on the possibility of meaningful negotiations. The latest developments underscore this pattern, as Iran continues to insist that discussions have made little to no headway, while the U.S. appears unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue. Since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran in early February, thousands have died, primarily in Iran and Lebanon. In retaliation, Iran has targeted American interests across multiple countries, including Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The violence has left the region in a state of near-permanent crisis, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. The June ceasefire agreement included a 60-day window for the parties to negotiate a final deal that would limit Iran’s nuclear activities and lift U.S. sanctions. However, the Iranian source dismissed recent reports suggesting that the deadline might be extended. Citing the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement shortly after it was signed, the source argued that there was no valid period to extend. The claim that an extension was being considered, reportedly based on information from Turkish and Pakistani officials, was categorically rejected. Meanwhile, attacks on commercial vessels continue to disrupt regional trade. On Tuesday, a suspected Houthi strike on a small cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait resulted in the deaths of four crew members. Separately, a U.S. Navy helicopter disabled the steering system of a Panama-flagged vessel using missile strikes. These incidents reflect the broader instability gripping the area, with both sides engaging in actions that threaten global energy security. As the situation escalates, the international community watches closely, aware that any miscalculation could lead to catastrophic consequences. With no sign of de-escalation, the path forward remains unclear, and the prospect of a peaceful resolution seems increasingly distant.