Iran said its memorandum of understanding with the United States contained no mandatory 60-day deadline. At a news conference in Tehran on August 17, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the document envisaged starting discussions on the nuclear issue within that period, rather than imposing a fixed deadline.

According to Tehran, the memorandum set aside 60 days for talks on two matters: sanctions removal and the nuclear issue. It also allowed for an extension if no result was reached during that time. Baghaei accused the United States of violating the memorandum from the outset, saying Washington committed broad and serious breaches within weeks of its signing on June 18.

Baghaei said no discussions began because of the alleged US violations, making questions about a 60-day limit irrelevant. Iran said it does not determine policy under pressure, threats or deadlines, and would decide based on national interests and circumstances. He also said US concerns now center on the Strait of Hormuz and that Washington should withdraw quickly.