TEHRAN — Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved a recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United States despite holding a different view on the agreement, while authorizing direct negotiations with Washington.
In a written statement carried by Iranian state media on Thursday, Khamenei said he granted permission after receiving commitments from President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials to protect Iran's interests.
"In principle, I had a different view (about the memorandum of understanding), but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable (Iranian) president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front," the statement said.
The memorandum, signed on June 17, establishes a framework to end recent hostilities, including a 60-day ceasefire period for further talks on issues such as Iran's nuclear program. It follows U.S. military actions and a naval blockade, with the agreement brokered in part through Pakistani mediation.
Khamenei warned against additional U.S. demands. “If the American side wants to be greedy, they will not accept it,” he said, according to state media. He added that future face-to-face negotiations “will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion.”
The comments mark the supreme leader's first public reaction to the deal. Iranian officials had awaited his endorsement before proceeding with planned talks, including sessions in Switzerland.
U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have described the agreement positively, with Trump characterizing aspects of Iran's position as a form of surrender in some remarks. The deal includes provisions for lifting certain restrictions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, and initiating a reconstruction process.
Details of the full implementation remain subject to the ongoing 60-day negotiation window. Both sides have framed the memorandum as an initial step rather than a final resolution.
Iranian state media reported the supreme leader's message without providing further elaboration on his initial reservations. U.S. officials have not immediately commented on Khamenei's specific remarks.
The development comes amid efforts to stabilize the region following months of escalation involving Iran, the United States, and related conflicts, including in Lebanon. Further talks are expected in the coming days.
