Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, Jun 19: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said he authorised the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States despite personally holding reservations about the agreement, claiming that US President Donald Trump pursued the deal out of "desperation".
In a message addressed to the Iranian people, Khamenei said he granted approval after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of the Supreme National Security Council that Iran's national interests and the interests of the "resistance front" would be safeguarded.
"As you have become aware, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials, out of compassion and goodwill, made extensive efforts," Khamenei said in a post on X.
He claimed that the American President had resorted to "all sorts of levers" to secure the agreement, describing the move as an act of desperation.
Khamenei further revealed that he had initially held a different view regarding the agreement but ultimately approved it after Pezeshkian accepted responsibility for protecting Iran's rights under the deal.
"I, in principle, had a different opinion, but out of the commitment that the esteemed President, as the head of the Supreme National Security Council, gave to me on behalf of himself and the members in safeguarding the rights of the Iranian nation and the resistance front, I granted permission for it," he said.
The Supreme Leader also warned that Iran would not accept any attempt by Washington to go beyond the agreed terms.
"The esteemed President has stated that if the American side seeks to overreach, they will not yield to it," Khamenei added.
The remarks come after Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and paving the way for broader negotiations. The agreement envisages further talks over a comprehensive settlement within 60 days and includes provisions related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade.
While endorsing the agreement, Khamenei sought to portray his approval as conditional rather than a diplomatic concession. He said Iran would closely monitor whether the commitments outlined in the memorandum are fulfilled.
"From this moment forward, we—that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant—will await the fulfillment of the stated conditions," he said.
Khamenei stressed that future negotiations with the United States should not be interpreted as acceptance of Washington's position.
"It goes without saying that the negotiations that will take place in the future will not amount to accepting the enemy's viewpoint," he concluded.