Iranian president says Tehran wants return to memorandum with US

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that his nation is eager to reestablish the memorandum of understanding signed with the US in June. This comes after he previously declared Iran would not yield to Washington. The president expressed welcome for China's stance, stating Iran supports reviving the agreement and emphasizing its significance.

Diplomatic endeavors aimed at concluding the conflict in the Middle East, instigated by the US and Israel with unannounced strikes on Iran in late February, have been impeded for weeks. The June deal was intended to pave the way for a comprehensive peace accord, yet it swiftly disintegrated. Initial hopes that negotiations might be rejuvenated during the UN General Assembly this week proved futile.

In a resolute address to the world body on Wednesday, Pezeshkian affirmed Iran would not bow down to the US. The following day, he informed Fox News that Iran is not inclined to prolong the war, but the responsibility lies with Washington to bring an end to it. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President's son-in-law Jared Kushner at an event side the General Assembly, but their interactions did not result in an immediate breakthrough.