Iranian Envoy Urges US to Honor Ceasefire in Hormuz Talks, Says Diplomacy Remains Viable

ISLAMABAD: Iran remains willing to resume negotiations with the United States under the interim agreement brokered by Pakistan in June, Tehran’s ambassador to Islamabad said Saturday, criticizing Washington for undermining diplomatic efforts and prolonging tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam stated that Iran recently communicated through Pakistan its readiness to reopen the strategic waterway provided the United States lifts its naval blockade, though he claimed President Donald Trump rejected the offer by maintaining restrictions on Iranian ports.

The June accord, facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, aimed to restore maritime traffic through the strait, ease the U.S. naval blockade, and initiate discussions toward a comprehensive agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

During a seminar in Islamabad, Moghadam noted that Iranian officials expressed their preparedness to reopen the strait during recent visits to Tehran by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, contingent upon the removal of U.S. sanctions.

Moghadam also mentioned that Tehran will carefully review the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye before determining its level of support, calling it a possible tool for regional stability.

“We will examine the Makkah Agreement, and if it serves our interests, we will back it,” he said.

The security pact was signed amid escalating attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia. The participating nations stated that the agreement aims to enhance collective defense mechanisms and deepen military collaboration.

Türkiye has forwarded the agreement to its parliament for ratification. Officials from both Türkiye and Pakistan emphasized that the pact is purely defensive in nature and does not single out Iran or any other nation. While Ankara has ruled out deploying troops into Yemen, Islamabad confirmed its involvement will remain strictly protective.

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