The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington “has entered a stage of crisis,” Iran said on July 13, as the United States struck Iran for a second day running, drawing Tehran’s reprisals against U.S. allies in the Gulf.

Recent flare-ups in hostilities between the nations in and around the Strait of Hormuz are threatening to capsize diplomatic negotiations.

Iran said Sunday it was closing the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at Gulf neighbours after the US carried out a new round of strikes as their conflict…