That optimism proved to be short-lived.
Almost immediately, disagreements surfaced over the implementation of key provisions. Officials on both sides reportedly clashed over expectations regarding nuclear inspections and differing interpretations of maritime access guarantees. As negotiations stalled, tensions steadily increased, raising doubts about whether the agreement could survive.
The fragile arrangement effectively unraveled in late June. On June 26, U.S. officials reported that a commercial vessel operating in the Strait of Hormuz had come under attack. In response, American forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, targeting drone production facilities, surveillance installations, air defense systems, and other strategic assets.
The conflict intensified even further during the first week of July.
On July 7, multiple commercial vessels—including tankers connected to Qatar and Saudi Arabia—were reportedly attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The United States answered with one of its largest waves of military operations in recent months, striking more than 80 Iranian targets. According to officials, the campaign focused on air defense networks, military command facilities, coastal radar installations, anti-ship missile batteries, and vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
At the same time, the Trump administration reversed one of the MOU’s most significant concessions by revoking the temporary oil export waiver previously granted to Iran. While attending a NATO summit in Turkey on July 8, President Trump made it clear he no longer viewed the agreement as viable.
The president declared the memorandum was “over” and dismissed continued negotiations with Iranian leadership as a “waste of time.”
Military operations continued throughout the following days. By Friday evening, American forces had carried out strikes for 13 consecutive nights, targeting military command centers, missile and drone stockpiles, logistics hubs, coastal surveillance facilities, and maritime assets believed to support Iran’s military capabilities. The United States also reinstated a naval blockade of Iranian ports while imposing additional sanctions aimed at financial networks accused of supporting Tehran.
Earlier that same Friday, President Trump suggested that an even more aggressive military campaign remained under consideration. Speaking to reporters, he described the potential operation as “bigger than ever before.” Throughout the day, the president met with senior national security advisers and cabinet officials to evaluate military options as the Pentagon positioned additional personnel, aircraft, and munitions throughout the region.
Despite those preparations, the White House ultimately decided not to proceed with an immediate escalation.
By Friday evening, officials confirmed that President Trump had chosen to pause plans for a broader offensive while negotiations with Iran continued behind the scenes. According to the president, U.S. forces remain fully prepared if circumstances change, but he indicated that Tehran appeared to be taking discussions more seriously than before.
Perhaps the clearest sign of the temporary shift came overnight.
For the first time since the current campaign began, no new U.S. airstrikes were announced for the night of July 24-25, bringing an end—at least for now—to nearly two weeks of uninterrupted military operations. Whether the pause develops into a renewed diplomatic effort or simply precedes another round of military action remains uncertain, but the administration’s latest move marks a significant turning point in one of the region’s most closely watched confrontations.
