Trump rejects return to June Iran deal as talks stall

The Trump administration has told mediators it does not want to return to the terms of a preliminary agreement reached with Iran in June, complicating efforts to restart diplomatic talks.

President Trump is willing to wait and see whether increased economic pressure produces results, according to people familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The June memorandum aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and an end to the war in exchange for sanctions relief and access to Tehran’s frozen funds.

The agreement fell apart within weeks after Iran began attacking ships in an effort to assert control over the strategic waterway.

The administration’s position has complicated a flurry of mediation efforts this week as officials seek stronger terms for any renewed arrangement.