Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh discussed a memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran in an interview in Antalya, Turkey [1].
The discussion highlights the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region following a period of conflict. Because the agreement followed a war, the outcome of these negotiations could determine the long-term security of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader Gulf relations.
Khatibzadeh addressed the specific timing of the agreement, noting that the memorandum of understanding was signed approximately four months [1] after the outbreak of war. During the interview, he said he had concerns regarding whether Washington would remain committed to the terms of the deal. He specifically pointed to the influence of Israel as a factor that could impact the future of the agreement [1].
Regional maritime security remains a central point of contention. On April 19, 2024, Khatibzadeh said, "The United States cannot impose its will and blockade the Strait of Hormuz" [3]. He said that the international community must ensure freedom of navigation in the region.
Regarding the progression of diplomatic talks, Khatibzadeh indicated that the process is not currently on a fixed schedule. He said, "No date has been set for the next round of negotiations with the United States" [2].
Khatibzadeh has previously called for a shift in how international actors approach the region. On April 19, 2024, he said that there is a need for "stopping the aggression and facing and understanding the facts" [4]. His comments in Antalya further underscore Iran's demand for a diplomatic framework that recognizes regional realities without external imposition.
Throughout the diplomatic cycle, Iran has balanced its engagement with the U.S. against its regional partnerships. For example, Khatibzadeh met with the Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister on April 18, 2024, to discuss bilateral relations [2].
“The United States cannot impose its will and blockade the Strait of Hormuz”
The lack of a scheduled date for further negotiations suggests a stalemate in U.S.-Iran relations despite the existence of a memorandum of understanding. Iran's focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the influence of Israel indicates that Tehran views the agreement not as a final settlement, but as a tentative ceasefire subject to external pressures and geopolitical volatility.
