Thirty days after the U.S.and Iran entered a two-month negotiating period intended to produce a final peace agreement between the two countries, they appear closer to a widening war than to a diplomatic breakthrough.Friday marks the halfway point of the 60-day window established under the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the U.S.
and Iran, which called for negotiations for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, sanctions and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.Friday marks the halfway point of the 60-day window established under the June 17 memorandum of understanding deal between the U.S.and Iran, which called for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, sanctions and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.But the first half of that period has been marked by repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels, hundreds of U.S.
strikes on Iranian military targets and retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, and President Donald Trump declaring the ceasefire "over."VANCE REVEALS TRUMP LESSON GUIDING IRAN DEAL STRATEGY AS TEHRAN FACES 60-DAY DEADLINEThe Trump administration also has withdrawn one of the most significant concessions it offered Iran under the agreement — a temporary waiver allowing Iran to sell oil — and restored a naval blockade that had been lifted after the memorandum was signed.With only 30 days remaining, the administration is increasingly relying on military and economic pressure in an effort to bring Iran back to substantive negotiations before the window closes.Failure would leave the two sides without a clear diplomatic path to address Iran’s nuclear and missile programs or restore safe passage through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.Trump nevertheless said Thursday that Iran had made a fresh overture to the U.S."We received a call just as I was coming here, and they want to meet," Trump said during a Fox News interview Thursday."They don’t like what ...