Tehran [Iran], July 19: Iran's government announced on Saturday that a framework agreement between the United States and Iran is no longer valid, the Fars news agency reported. Iran had suspended the agreement, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said, according to the report. "We are busy defending the country," the agency quoted the minister as saying in a TV interview.
"Unfortunately, the Americans have violated their obligations under the Islamabad declaration of intent through their aggressive measures," Gharibabadi added. He said that is why Iran no longer feels bound by the agreement.
The United States and Iran had actually agreed on a framework agreement in mid-June that was intended to pave the way for a lasting end to the war. It stipulated that a final deal would be negotiated within 60 days. It also included the demand to open the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire had also been in place since the start of April. However, the conflict escalated again in early July.
Source: Qatar Tribune
