Iran says US compliance with Islamabad pact could ease regional tensions
Tehran says progress has also been made with Oman on a temporary transit arrangement through the Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN (MNTV) — Iran has said a return by the United States to its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum could help defuse escalating regional tensions and create conditions for a return to negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks Tuesday during a phone call with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Araghchi said the current crisis stemmed from what Tehran considers Washington’s failure to honor commitments made under the Islamabad memorandum.
He said US compliance with the agreement would open the way for tensions to ease and conditions to normalize.
The memorandum was reached in June through mediation by Pakistan and Qatar. It provided for an end to hostilities and established a framework for further negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Tehran has accused Washington of failing to implement important parts of the understanding, including provisions related to sanctions and a naval blockade.
Araghchi also said Iran and Oman had made “significant progress” in discussions over a temporary transit route through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said consultations would continue over how the strategic waterway could be managed in the longer term.
Japan, meanwhile, urged both sides to avoid further escalation.
Motegi expressed “deep concern” over renewed attacks involving Iran and the United States and called for an early reduction in tensions and a resumption of talks, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
He urged Tehran to show greater flexibility and exercise “maximum restraint,” particularly over attacks on civilian vessels.
Motegi also stressed the need to restore safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs.
Tokyo said any long-term arrangement governing the strait should be discussed in line with international law and involve coastal states, countries relying on the waterway and the International Maritime Organization.
The Japanese minister also called on Iran to press Yemen’s Houthi movement to exercise restraint, citing the importance of maintaining stability around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Iran and Oman have been discussing an interim mechanism for shipping through Hormuz while negotiations continue over a more permanent arrangement.
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