Iran says continuing talks with mediators to ‘prevent escalation’

Iran says continuing talks with mediators to ‘prevent escalation’

TEHRAN, JUL 13: Iran said Monday it was continuing talks with mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman in an effort to prevent any further escalation in its war with the United States.

“The role of the mediators is to continue their efforts to prevent an escalation of tensions,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

The United States struck Iran Monday for a second day running, prompting Tehran to attack neighboring Gulf states and Jordan, as the foes battle over the status of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iran warned on Monday that it would no longer abide by the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States if Washington failed to uphold its commitments to end the war.

“Each time that the other party has failed to meet its obligations, we did not uphold ours… We will continue to act in this manner,” Baghaei told a press conference in Tehran, following the latest bout of hostilities between the foes.

Baghaei noted that Iran is trying to agree a joint mechanism with Oman for the Strait of Hormuz but US pressure on Oman has hindered efforts.