US signals it’s still committed to MOU with Iran after Trump declared it’s ‘over’

The White House signals that it is still committed to the memorandum of understanding with Iran, even though US President Donald Trump’s declared earlier this week that the framework deal to end the Iran war was “over” after the Islamic Republic carried out strikes against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and against neighboring countries.

“The United States is still committed to finding a resolution, and technical talks continue,” reads a statement attributed to a senior US official that the White House has sent to querying reporters.

The statement acknowledges Trump’s comments against the MOU but signals that the US is still prepared to adhere to its terms, so long as Iran does the same.

“President Trump made his feelings very clear yesterday in no uncertain terms. Iran’s attacks on these innocent vessels are acts of terrorism,” the senior US official says.

“The MOU is performance-based, and Iran’s actions constitute failed performance at an unacceptable level,” the official adds.

The MOU saw the sides agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz toll-free for 60 days, but Iran claims the document still gives it the right to manage shipping through the corridor.