A 60-day negotiation window set under the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) expired on August 17 with no deal, leaving the diplomatic process in limbo and rekindling fears over regional stability and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The June memorandum was meant to halt hostilities, reopen the strait and create space for broader talks. But disagreements over maritime access, sanctions and security arrangements stood in the way of meaningful progress.

US President Donald Trump said Washington would not seek an extension, while Iranian officials argued US actions had undermined the agreement from the outset.

Despite the diplomatic deadlock, international organizations and regional actors have continued to urge both sides to return to the table.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly stressed that there is no military solution, calling on Washington and Tehran to urgently resume diplomacy. The UN has warned that renewed hostilities would carry serious consequences for regional security, global energy markets and international trade.

The UN Security Council has also heard appeals from member states calling for dialogue, restraint and respect for freedom of navigation. Several countries have argued that the diplomatic opening created by the June agreement should not be allowed to collapse.

Maritime organizations have voiced similar concerns. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has repeatedly condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the strait and warned that thousands of seafarers face heightened risks across the Gulf.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below pre-conflict levels. Only three commercial vessels transited in the 24 hours leading up to August 17, compared with an average of around 110 vessels per day before the conflict. Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait also remained subdued, with 37 commercial vessels recorded over the same period.

The US insists freedom of navigation must be upheld and has continued to push for unrestricted commercial transit. Iran, meanwhile, has been coordinating with Oman on navigation mechanisms in the strait.

With the MoU expired and neither side willing to make major concessions, analysts say diplomatic channels remain fragile but not closed. Regional mediators continue to pass messages between Washington and Tehran, while international organizations urge both sides to prevent further escalation.

(With input from agencies)