United States Ambassador Mike Waltz stated Sunday that Iran is not adhering to a memorandum of understanding, asserting that "all options are on the table" for President Donald Trump in the ongoing conflict. His remarks came the day after U.S. forces conducted strikes inside Iran in retaliation for Iran's attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and its declaration of the waterway as closed.
Waltz, speaking on ABC News' "This Week," indicated that the recent confrontations signify a breakdown in the ceasefire between the two nations. He dismissed claims from senior U.S. officials who suggested that earlier Iranian strikes in the strait were carried out by rogue elements within the Iranian government. "I don't buy it. I don't think we buy it," Waltz said, emphasizing the Iranian regime's known discipline and unity, citing its response to domestic protests in January.
He further condemned Iran's reaction to the U.S. strikes, noting that Gulf countries, including Oman where Iranian officials were engaged in diplomatic talks, reported attacks. Waltz reiterated that the President's approach has always been performance-based regarding the memorandum of understanding, and that Iran's actions indicate it is not meeting those terms.
Despite the escalating tensions, Waltz confirmed that technical teams are continuing discussions on a nuclear deal. Under the terms of the memorandum, this deal would need to be finalized within a 60-day window, which is now nearly halfway expired. "Those experts ... are still talking even though the ceasefire has broken down," Waltz said.
When questioned about reports of a potential Iranian plot to assassinate President Trump, which had been confirmed by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Waltz stated that the threat is real. "Make no mistake that the Iranian regime is trying to kill President Trump and those around him," he said.
The U.S. strikes followed Iran's actions that led to a commercial vessel being attacked and the Strait of Hormuz being declared closed by Tehran. Senior U.S. officials had previously indicated expectations for an apology from Iran for its prior attacks in the strait.