An Iranian official has begun talks with mediators in Pakistan after the interim memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington fell apart in mid-July. The deal, which lasted less than a month, was supposed to end over 100 days of intense fighting and reopen one of the most critical chokepoints in global commerce.
What happened to the deal
The US-Iran MOU was signed in mid-June 2026 with two primary objectives: halt hostilities and ease the naval blockade that had effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz. For context, roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through that 21-mile-wide waterway on any given day.
The agreement collapsed over disagreements about implementation, specifically around traffic management and potential tolls related to the Strait. The breakdown triggered renewed US airstrikes and Iranian retaliatory strikes reported between July 18 and 20. Less than a month from signing to collapse.
Why Pakistan, and why now
