Egyptian and Iranian top diplomats spoke by phone Saturday regarding efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to the negotiating table, according to Egypt's foreign ministry.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, discussed reviving the implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed in June. The goal of these discussions is to reach a "comprehensive and sustainable agreement."
The previous Pakistani-mediated deal established a 60-day ceasefire intended to facilitate a final peace agreement between the Trump administration and the Iranian government. However, this period concluded Monday, leaving negotiations at an impasse over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States seeks Iran's full reopening of the critical shipping waterway, while Iran insists that Washington must first lift its naval blockade. Earlier this month, Iranian officials indicated that normal traffic through the waterway would not be restored until "America corrects its behavior."
Iranian demands reportedly include a complete withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions against Iran, compensation for war damages, and an end to attacks on Iran's allies in the Middle East. The recent talks have raised regional tensions.