A senior Iranian source stated on the 19th (local time) that Qatar and Pakistan, acting as mediators, conveyed to Iran that the United States is ready to seriously engage in negotiations and an agreement. The source said that if the US returns to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and implements its provisions, Iran is also ready to resume implementation of the said MOU within days. However, Iran is demanding substantial and reliable guarantees that it will not be attacked again. The source stated that if the US implements the key contents of the MOU, including cessation of hostile acts, lifting of blockades, and allowing Iran's oil exports, Iran will immediately begin negotiations on nuclear issues and sanction removal. Meanwhile, Iran reached an agreement with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz issue, but stated that it "will not reopen the strait as long as the blockade continues and no agreement is reached with the United States."
