US media reports that the Trump administration has refused to rejoin the agreement reached with Iran in June.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the matter, the Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no intention of reaccepting the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) reached with Iran in June this year. Trump is now shifting to exerting economic pressure on Iran and is willing to wait and see if this strategy works. The June deal was originally structured to lift sanctions and allow Iran access to its overseas frozen funds, in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching negotiations on the nuclear issue and ending the war. However, it collapsed weeks later following Iran’s attacks on ships. Iran insists the U.S. must resume implementing the June agreement, arguing that Article 5 of the pact effectively recognizes Iran’s right to set conditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated Iran will only reopen the strait if the U.S. resumes implementing the agreement, grants Iran oil sales exemptions, and ends its maritime blockade. Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar have recently stepped up mediation efforts, but progress has been limited. Analysts note the June memorandum of understanding has effectively expired, with both sides currently preparing for a potential escalation of tensions.