Qatari emir, Iraqi PM meet on US-Iran peace MoU, Hormuz Strait navigation
Doha, July 19 (IANS) Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held talks here on Sunday with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, calling for the implementation of the US-Iran peace memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The two sides urged all parties to commit to dialogue and implement the understandings under the MoU, according to a statement released by the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the emir.
They called for ensuring the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and safeguarding regional security and stability, the statement said.
They also reviewed bilateral ties and explored ways to expand cooperation across various sectors, the statement added.
The United States and Iran signed the MoU in mid-June, under which the two sides were expected to hold negotiations within 60 days toward a final agreement, Xinhua News Agency reported.
However, tensions have flared again recently as both sides have traded rounds of attacks across the Middle East.
Iran has ceased the fulfilment of its obligations under the peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States as Washington has violated its commitments under the deal, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said.
In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Gharibabadi said the United States has effectively violated or suspended “all its commitments” under the MoU, stressing that Iran is now focused on defending itself, and there is “no news of negotiations.”
“What we are currently faced with is defending the country in a decisive manner,” he said. “This time too, the Americans have already received their answer that these aggressive actions will lead nowhere. If they are wise, they should choose other solutions.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that the US violation of a recently signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran once again proved that US President Donald Trump’s signature is worthless and invalid, according to Iranian media.
He made the remarks in a message to the Iranian people carried by Iranian media, in which he addressed the country’s important issues.
–IANS
ksk/dan
