Iran suspends Islamabad ceasefire commitments with the United States

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on 18 July that Tehran has suspended all obligations under the 14‑point Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, accusing Washington of violating every provision through renewed strikes and naval actions. The MoU, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan and signed in June, called for an immediate cease‑fire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, removal of the US naval blockade, phased sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets and a US‑backed reconstruction programme worth at least US$300 billion, with a 60‑day window for final talks.

Gharibabadi said, “We have suspended the implementation of our commitments. We are not implementing them and are focused on defending the country,” adding that the US “has violated and suspended all its commitments.” Iran’s health ministry reported that US strikes since 6 July have killed about 50 civilians and wounded more than 500. Both sides have exchanged retaliatory attacks, including Iranian strikes on US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan and US raids on Iranian infrastructure.

Pakistan and Kuwait have urged both parties to honour the MoU and de‑escalate the situation, warning that further fighting threatens regional security and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.