Khamenei says accepted MoU after Pezeshkian’s assurances
Iranian leader says he initially opposed agreement but authorized it after receiving commitments to protect national interests
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he initially disagreed with the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States but ultimately approved it after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the protection of Iran’s national interests.
“As a matter of principle, I held a different view,” Khamenei said in a written message released to media outlets June 18.
“Nevertheless, in light of the commitment given to me by the esteemed president, in his capacity as chairman of the Supreme National Security Council on behalf of himself and the other members, to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of responsibility in this regard, I authorized it,” he said.
Khamenei added that Pezeshkian had assured him that Iran would reject any demands from Washington deemed excessive.
“He has also made it clear that, should the American side seek to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them,” the message said.
In a separate statement, Khamenei praised Iranian officials for their efforts to secure the agreement, saying negotiations were pursued out of “compassion and goodwill,” while accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of using various forms of leverage in an effort to reach a deal.
“The passionate and loyal Iranian nation, as you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America,” Khamenei said.
“In the course of reaching this stage, officials, out of compassion and goodwill, made many efforts, and of course it was the U.S. president who, out of desperation, was using various leverage points for this purpose,” he added.
The memorandum, signed remotely by Pezeshkian and Trump, calls for an end to hostilities, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade within 30 days, the restoration of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a reconstruction plan valued at a minimum of $300 billion and the removal of U.S. sanctions.
Khamenei said future face-to-face negotiations would not mean accepting the position of the United States.
“From this moment, we — meaning you, the proud nation, and this humble servant — will await the fulfillment of the stated conditions. But it is obvious that the in-person negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s view,” he said.
Under the agreement, Iran and the United States have entered a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a comprehensive final accord. In-person talks are scheduled to begin June 19 in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators.
Khamenei expressed hope that the negotiations would lead to positive outcomes for Iran and reiterated his support for protecting the country’s interests throughout the process.
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