Iran boasts: 'The 60-day deadline is irrelevant, our forces are ready to respond'
While Washington counts the days since the signing of the memorandum and threatens an economic blockade, Tehran continues to demonstrate indifference. Iranian leadership emphasizes that the 60-day deadline is null and void, as they claim the US violated the agreement.
Against the backdrop of the expiration of the 60-day deadline during which the United States and Iran were expected to formulate a final agreement to end the war, statements from Tehran suggest that this timeframe held little significance for the Islamic Republic. Iranian authorities have expressed disdain for Washington's threats to impose extreme economic isolation and enforce a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference today:
"The memorandum of understanding does not specify a 60-day period, and Iran will not accept pressure due to time constraints. We act in accordance with our national interests. The United States did not meet its obligations, therefore the 60-day issue is irrelevant and our forces are ready to respond."
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the Islamabad memorandum marked the end of the war, not a ceasefire requiring extension. He noted that while Qatar and Pakistan are acting as mediators, Iran has not yet decided to resume negotiations with the United States.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi explained that technical talks with Oman concerning new shipping lanes are separate from political issues. He stressed that the reopening of the strait depends on the US fulfilling additional conditions.
Meanwhile, senior officials in the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) continue to issue threats. Yadollah Javani stated that the strait will only open once the US fulfills its obligations under the Islamabad agreement. Iranian Army Commander Amir Hatami added that Americans are no longer permitted in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, or the Strait of Hormuz, describing the strait as a "divine gift to the Iranian people."
A secret plan for escalation
According to sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has formulated a secret plan to expand the campaign. Hardline leaders believe the June memorandum was merely an attempt by Washington and Jerusalem to buy time. Instead of adhering to talks, Iran has spent the last two months preparing for a larger conflict.
Efforts include increasing IRGC control, appointing war veterans to key positions, and boosting missile and drone production. Arab intelligence agencies have gathered evidence of a strategic shift, including coordination between Iran and militias in Yemen and Iraq. Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly taken steps to prepare the security apparatus for an expanded confrontation that may be initiated by Tehran itself.
