Iran says 60-day deadline under US deal is no longer relevant

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said a 60-day period linked to the 17 June memorandum between Tehran and Washington was no longer relevant, accusing the United States of violating the agreement weeks after it was signed. “There is no provision in the memorandum of understanding referring to a ‘60-day deadline’, and the Islamic Republic of Iran never formulates its policies under pressure, ultimatums or time limits,” he said. Baghaei said the memorandum envisaged a 60-day period for talks on “the lifting of sanctions” and “the nuclear issue”, which could have been extended if no agreement was reached. However, he said “gross and widespread” US violations meant talks never began. “As a result, the issue of a 60-day deadline became entirely moot,” Baghaei added.