Trump rejects Iran MoU extension and claims control of Hormuz

Washington, D.C. — President Joe Biden called on Iran on Monday to “put up the white flag of surrender” after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that had governed the limited nuclear engagement between the two countries expired. The statement, made during a press briefing, referenced the five‑year arrangement that had allowed limited inspections and a modest reduction in Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity, a framework that was intended to serve as a bridge toward a broader revival of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The MoU, which was not a formal treaty but a political commitment, lapsed on Monday without renewal, prompting the president to urge Tehran to cease any further nuclear advancement and to return to diplomatic negotiations.

The expiration of the MoU comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing concerns in the United Nations Security Council about Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. officials have indicated that the administration will pursue additional diplomatic channels, including multilateral talks with European allies, to address compliance and verification issues. Iran’s foreign ministry has not yet issued an official response to the president’s remarks. The next steps are expected to involve back‑channel discussions and potential re‑engagement with the broader nuclear agreement framework, pending further diplomatic outreach.