Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has declared that future face-to-face negotiations with the United States should not be interpreted as acceptance of the American position, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington.
Khamenei's Remarks on US Leverage
Addressing the Iranian nation after the 14-point framework agreement was signed, Khamenei claimed that US President Donald Trump used all kinds of leverage out of desperation to secure the deal. He emphasized that Iran's acceptance of the agreement was conditional on protecting the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.
Khamenei stated, "As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge, out of sincere concern and goodwill, made extensive efforts and, of course, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about."
Conditions for Approval
The Supreme Leader revealed that he initially held a different view regarding the agreement but granted permission after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. He said, "I, as a matter of principle, held a different view; however, out of the commitment that the esteemed president--as the head of the Supreme National Security Council--gave to me on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members regarding the safeguarding of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of that responsibility, I granted my permission."
Khamenei added that Iranian negotiators assured him they would not yield if the United States sought to impose additional conditions. "He also explicitly stated that if the American side seeks to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them," he said.
Agreement Details
The agreement, signed virtually by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reopened the Strait of Hormuz, established a framework for de-escalation, and launched a 60-day process aimed at negotiating a comprehensive final accord covering sanctions, security arrangements, and Iran's nuclear programme.
Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, described the agreement as a potential turning point for regional and international stability, provided all parties implement their commitments in good faith.
