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TEHRAN: Iran has rejected claims that a 60-day deadline had expired under its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, saying the agreement never imposed a fixed deadline on Tehran and that its decisions would be guided by national interests and security. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei made the remarks during a press briefing on Monday as the period referenced in discussions between Tehran and Washington came to an end. “There is no such thing as a 60-day deadline in the text of the MoU,” Baqaei said, according to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency. He stressed that Iran would not formulate its policies under pressure, ultimatums or externally imposed time limits. According to Baqaei, the agreement provided a 60-day window for negotiations focused on two key issues — sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear programme. He said the period could have been extended if the two sides failed to reach an outcome. However, Tehran argues that the understanding became irrelevant after what it described as widespread US violations of the agreement. Baqaei said no talks were ultimately launched under the framework because of Washington’s alleged actions. The MoU was signed on June 18 following weeks of diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the wider Middle East conflict and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, making any disruption there a concern for international markets. Tensions later escalated, with Iran accusing the United States of breaching the understanding. Hostilities resumed on July 7, when Iranian forces attacked commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker. The United States subsequently carried out several waves of strikes against Iranian military targets. The conflict also expanded beyond the Gulf, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels imposing a naval blockade affecting Saudi Arabia and adding pressure on another vital regional shipping route. Missing pilots Baqaei also raised the issue of three Iranian pilots whose fate remains disputed. Tehran says the pilots went missing during an operation targeting the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in March. Iran now considers the missing men prisoners until their fate is clarified. Qatar, however, denies holding them and says it previously invited Iranian officials to receive details about search-and-rescue operations. Oil spill dispute The Iranian spokesman also blamed US military operations for environmental damage in Gulf waters and called for Washington to be held responsible. Iran recently demanded compensation over an oil slick that reached Qeshm Island, affecting beaches and mangrove areas. Tehran has blamed a foreign vessel for the spill, while outside reports have raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the incident. With diplomacy stalled and tensions continuing around the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s latest statement signals that Tehran is unwilling to accept Washington’s interpretation of the MoU or negotiate under a deadline.