Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 3 August declared that Tehran must 'compel' Washington to remain bound by the peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States, signalling a hardening of Iran's diplomatic posture even as the two nations remain locked in a fragile standoff. Pezeshkian made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, asserting broad consensus within Iran's Supreme National Security Council on the matter.

What Pezeshkian Said

'We must strive to compel the enemy to adhere to what it has signed. The security of the country, region and our allies will improve with this MoU,' Pezeshkian wrote. He added that he expects the MoU to become the central pillar of Iran's foreign policy going forward — a notable elevation of the agreement's status given the turbulence surrounding it.

Iran's Defence Posture

Iran's Acting Defence Minister Seyed Majid Ebn Al-Reza reinforced the message on Sunday, writing on X that Tehran treats every threat from its adversaries as 'real and noteworthy,' rejecting suggestions that such warnings amount to psychological warfare. 'We will neither be surprised nor remain passive. We use threats as a basis to increase our preparedness, strengthen our deterrence, and develop our power,' Al-Reza wrote, in remarks that came after US President Donald Trump said he had agreed to hold off fresh strikes against Iran.

Trump's Warning and the Hormuz Factor

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was 'locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II,' but indicated he had held off after being 'asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries.' Trump cited a forthcoming deal that would include the 'Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.' Reports had earlier suggested that US and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure could begin over the weekend.

Background: The MoU and Recent Escalation

The Iran-US MoU was signed on 18 June, providing for negotiations within a 60-day window toward a final agreement. However, the talks' fate is now uncertain following a sharp escalation. The US military launched multiple waves of strikes against Iranian targets last month, describing them as a response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and aimed at 'degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.' Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US military bases and facilities in the region. This is the most serious military exchange between the two countries in years, and it has placed the MoU — already fragile — under severe strain.

What Comes Next

With the 60-day negotiation window under the MoU now running against a backdrop of active military exchanges, the path to a final agreement appears narrow. The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil trade passes — remains the central flashpoint. Any further escalation risks broader regional consequences, with Gulf states, India, and other energy-dependent economies watching closely.