MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The "nuclear section" of the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran represents one of the most significant challenges to its successful implementation, according to Marat Zembatov, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the Institute of Public and Municipal Administration at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. "The nuclear component remains one of the primary risks at this critical juncture," Zembatov explained to TASS. "While Iran affirms its renunciation of nuclear weapons development, it continues to assert its right to uranium enrichment, which remains a key point in ongoing negotiations. The United States will likely insist on verification measures - such as stockpile limitations, IAEA access, and a sanctions dismantlement schedule acceptable to Congress. Meanwhile, Iran seeks formal recognition of the peaceful nature of its nuclear program and the continuation of its activities." Zembatov expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of extending negotiations if necessary. "Achieving a comprehensive deal within the 60-day timeframe is conceivable, but it demands a level of discipline and flexibility that may be challenging for Washington, Tehran, Israel, and regional partners, especially at this critical moment," he warned. The analyst highlighted that Israel and Lebanon remain the most delicate external factors influencing the deal's stability. "Israel is not a convenient partner for American diplomacy. There is concern that the agreement could bolster Iran’s regional influence and restrict Israel’s freedom of action along its borders with Lebanon. Any escalation in these areas could threaten the broader ceasefire and regional stability," he noted. While acknowledging that the signed memorandum has contributed to de-escalating tensions, Zembatov emphasized that it "has not yet laid the groundwork for sustainable peace." Its ultimate success will depend on tangible steps taken by all parties - supported by financial aid, clear language regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and a managed situation in Lebanon. About the Memorandum Earlier this week, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including in Lebanon. Notably, Israel did not participate in the negotiations. The Swiss Foreign Ministry’s press service reported that the planned US-Iran talks in Buergenstock, Switzerland, scheduled for June 19, have been postponed and will not take place as planned.
MOSCOW, June 19. /TASS/. The "nuclear section" of the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran represents one of the most significant challenges to its successful implementation, according to Marat Zembatov, Director of the Center for Interdisciplinar…
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International mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a senior Iranian official cited in reports. The measure is described as intended to reduce hostilities and allow renewed talks on a prior interim agreement.
Both sides are assessing next steps in the current regional security situation.
Reports indicate that a US-Iran ceasefire has broken down amid renewed fighting, with the potential impact of mediation efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman remaining unclear. Earlier diplomatic steps included a June memorandum of understanding between the parties for further negotiations and talks hosted in Geneva in February.
The summary also references Europe’s historical role in diplomacy, including the 1814-15 Congress of Vienna.
Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that his representatives had spoken with Iranian officials an hour earlier and that those officials wanted to make a deal to end the conflict, though he noted they had broken prior agreements and expressed uncertainty about whether one would be reached.
He added that people do not want to die and that Iran would need to proceed carefully to avoid further losses. The remarks come amid an ongoing US-Iran conflict that has involved casualties and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with some social media users criticizing the repetition of similar statements.
Why the Iran-US ceasefire is falling apart Iran and the US have resumed fighting because they don’t see each other as ‘reliable negotiating partners’, says analyst Ali Vaez. Neither Iran nor the United States seems able to deliver a “knockout blow at an acceptable price” to the other side, and both know “they have no choice other than engaging in diplomacy”, but they’re not ready to make uncomfortable concessions, argues Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at International Crisis Group.
Vaez tells host Steve Clemons that Tehran and Washington are trying to “enforce their own interpretation” of the ceasefire agreement they signed last month. President Trump has become “frustrated” with diplomacy because he’s not seeing “the kind of quick results that he likes to see”, Vaez says.