TEHRAN, Iran (Web Desk) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has accused the United States of undermining the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through what it described as a “war of choice”, warning that Washington cannot escape responsibility for the conflict by portraying itself as the victim.
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Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei levelled the allegations in a statement posted on social media on Wednesday, accusing Washington of launching attacks against Iran while diplomatic negotiations were underway.
“They attacked Iran twice in less than nine months — while negotiations were underway,” Baqaei said, alleging that the attacks had killed children, targeted civilians and resulted in the assassination of Iranian leaders.
He further accused the United States of intensifying sanctions against Iran and destroying the MoU signed on June 17, which was intended to establish a framework for ending hostilities and pursuing a broader peace agreement.
“You cannot launch a war of choice, set the region ablaze, unleash global chaos, and then play the victim,” the spokesman said, arguing that Washington was attempting to shift responsibility for the conflict onto Tehran.
The Iranian statement reflects growing tensions over the collapse of the ceasefire framework and renewed diplomatic uncertainty between the two countries.
Dispute over the Islamabad agreement
The Islamabad MoU emerged from Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate an understanding between Washington and Tehran following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran in February 2026.
The agreement, announced in June, outlined a framework for ending military operations, reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and beginning negotiations towards a more comprehensive settlement.
It also envisaged further discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and mechanisms to prevent renewed military confrontation.
Pakistan played a central mediating role in the process, working alongside Qatar to bring the two sides into negotiations. The agreement was viewed as an important diplomatic opening after months of fighting and heightened regional instability.
However, disagreements over the implementation of the agreement have continued to undermine efforts to secure a lasting settlement.
A Reuters report published in July said renewed hostilities and differences over the Strait of Hormuz had weakened the memorandum. The two sides also disagreed over the interpretation of its provisions, including maritime arrangements and other outstanding issues.
Iran has accused Washington of breaching its commitments, while the United States has questioned Tehran’s compliance with the understanding. These competing positions have deepened mistrust and complicated diplomatic efforts to restore the ceasefire.
Tehran rejects US attempt to shift blame
Baqaei’s remarks also challenged what Tehran views as Washington’s attempt to present Iran as responsible for the wider regional crisis.
The spokesman said the international community was bearing the consequences of what he characterised as unlawful American aggression, including regional instability and economic insecurity.
His comments came amid renewed uncertainty over whether diplomatic channels could prevent another escalation. The dispute has left the future of the Islamabad framework in doubt, with key questions concerning military operations, sanctions and maritime security still unresolved.
Iranian officials have repeatedly argued that negotiations cannot succeed unless the United States honours its commitments and refrains from further military action. Washington, meanwhile, has maintained pressure on Tehran over security concerns and its nuclear programme.
The latest exchange of accusations highlights the absence of trust between the two sides, even as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a way forward.
Pakistan’s diplomatic challenge
The developments carry particular significance for Pakistan, which helped facilitate the agreement and has sought to promote a negotiated resolution to the conflict.
A breakdown in the Islamabad MoU would represent a setback for Islamabad’s mediation efforts and could complicate its relations with both Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan also has important economic and security interests in regional stability. Renewed hostilities could disrupt energy supplies, affect international shipping and create additional uncertainty for regional trade.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption to maritime traffic through the waterway could increase transport costs and place further pressure on international energy markets.
For Islamabad, the challenge will be to preserve diplomatic engagement while encouraging both parties to avoid actions that could trigger another round of fighting.
Pakistan has previously emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving the dispute, with its mediation efforts aimed at creating space for negotiations and reducing the risk of further escalation.
Prospects for renewed negotiations
Despite the sharp rhetoric, the future of diplomacy will depend on whether Washington and Tehran can agree on the interpretation and implementation of their earlier commitments.
The outstanding issues include the conditions for ending hostilities, the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and arrangements governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Without progress on these questions, any renewed understanding could remain vulnerable to further confrontation.
Iran’s latest statement signals that Tehran continues to hold Washington responsible for the breakdown of the agreement. Whether the accusation leads to a renewed diplomatic initiative or further hardens positions remains uncertain.
For now, the dispute over the Islamabad MoU underscores the difficulties facing efforts to turn a temporary understanding into a durable peace settlement.
