Iran announced on Saturday that it has suspended a framework agreement with the United States amid escalating regional tensions, according to a statement from Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Speaking in a televised interview, Gharibabadi said the suspension comes in response to what Iran describes as violations of U.S. commitments outlined in the Islamabad declaration of intent. “We are busy defending the country,” the deputy minister said.

The agreement, reached in mid-June, was designed to create conditions for a lasting resolution to ongoing hostilities. It included provisions for negotiating a final deal within 60 days and called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. A ceasefire had been observed since early April, but fighting resumed in early July, undermining the fragile calm.

Following the uptick in conflict, Iranian state media released imagery showing extensive damage to bridges and railway infrastructure in southern Iran. Officials in Tehran have issued warnings of retaliatory strikes targeting civilian infrastructure elsewhere in the Gulf region, signaling a potential intensification of hostilities.

The United States has not yet commented publicly on Iran’s announcement. The suspension of the framework agreement reflects a significant setback to diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict, raising concerns over the prospects for peace in the region.