Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to reciprocate if Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Monday at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, following the first direct exchange of attacks between Iran and the United States since late July.
The United States recently struck Larak Island, after which Iran launched attacks on two US military bases in Jordan.
“I am stating clearly that if the US returns to its commitments under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately reciprocate,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.
The Iranian president was referring to an interim agreement signed by Tehran and Washington in June as part of efforts to end the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The agreement was intended to pave the way for broader negotiations towards a final peace deal, but later collapsed as both sides accused each other of violating its terms.
Tehran has repeatedly said it is prepared to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments, provided Washington implements the commitments outlined in the agreement.
Speaking in Bishkek, Pezeshkian reiterated that war was in no one’s interest and said Iran remained open to a negotiated settlement with the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also called on Washington on Monday to honour its previous commitments and agreements.
“If that happens, everything can be put back on the right track,” Araghchi said.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond to the Iranian attacks. However, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the latest strikes did not necessarily indicate a return to full-scale war.
