Iran Warns U.S. of Continued War Over Islamabad MoU Violations at SCO Summit
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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Monday that the ongoing conflict will persist unless the United States honors its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, citing recent American military actions as a breach of the agreement. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Araghchi stated that Washington must return to the terms of the accord to achieve de-escalation, or face continued hostilities.
The diplomatic confrontation centers on accusations that the United States violated the Islamabad MoU by conducting military attacks and imposing a naval blockade. Araghchi asserted that these actions constitute a direct failure to uphold the agreement's core provisions, which were designed to resolve the crisis. He emphasized that Iran views adherence to the memorandum as the sole viable path toward stability in the region.
"The United States must honor the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," Araghchi told reporters following his address at the summit. "If commitments are not met, war will continue." The Foreign Minister's remarks marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, occurring against a backdrop of heightened military tensions.
The Islamabad MoU was intended to serve as a framework for resolving the dispute, yet both sides remain entrenched. While Iran demands an immediate cessation of U.S. military operations and the lifting of the naval blockade as prerequisites for further dialogue, the United States has not issued a public response to Araghchi's specific accusations made in Bishkek. The lack of an official American rebuttal at the summit leaves the status of the agreement in question.
The crisis has drawn significant attention within the SCO framework, where member states have called for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts. However, the gap between Iran's demands and current U.S. military posture suggests a complex path forward. The naval blockade remains in place, and reports indicate that military engagements have not ceased since the alleged violations began.
Araghchi's ultimatum places immediate pressure on Washington to address Tehran's concerns or risk a prolonged period of instability. As the SCO summit concludes, it remains unclear whether the United States will engage in direct negotiations to restore the terms of the Islamabad MoU or if the two nations will proceed with further military posturing. The international community watches closely as the potential for renewed escalation looms over the region.
No timeline was provided by Iranian officials regarding when they expect a U.S. response, nor did Araghchi specify what steps Iran might take if Washington refuses to comply with his demands. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels attempt to bridge the widening divide between the two powers.