Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday confirmed that Iran and the United States had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), saying Iranian officials had participated in the process while emphasizing that Tehran would continue to protect its national interests.
In a post on social media, Khamenei wrote, “As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States of America.” He said Iranian officials had worked sincerely toward the agreement and argued that Washington had shown strong interest in reaching a deal. “It was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about,” he wrote.
What Did Iran’s Supreme Leader Say About Future Talks With the US?
Khamenei said that direct negotiations with the United States would not mean accepting “the enemy’s position.” He also revealed that he had initially held reservations about the agreement.
“I, as a matter of principle, held a different view,” he said. According to Khamenei, he eventually approved the arrangement after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian that the rights of the Iranian people and what he described as the “Resistance Front” would be safeguarded. He also warned that Iran would reject demands it considers excessive, saying that “if the American side wants to be greedy, they will not accept it.”
Where Was the US-Iran Memorandum Signed?
The memorandum was signed during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following the conclusion of the G7 summit. Macron later announced the development on X, saying the agreement “paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz”. Although a formal signing ceremony had originally been scheduled in Switzerland, Iranian officials said planned talks in Geneva would still take place. The document is formally titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
What Are the Main Provisions of the US-Iran Memorandum?
According to the terms of the memorandum, military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, are to end immediately and permanently. The United States has committed to lifting its naval blockade around Iran within 30 days, allowing commercial shipping traffic to gradually return to pre-conflict levels. Washington has also agreed to withdraw its forces from areas near Iran within 30 days after a final agreement is reached. Iran, for its part, has agreed to use its best efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels free of charge for 60 days.
What Happens Next in the US-Iran Process?
The memorandum establishes a 60-day period for both sides to negotiate the terms of a broader and more comprehensive agreement. While the MoU marks a diplomatic breakthrough, many issues remain to be finalized, and further negotiations are expected in the coming weeks as Washington and Tehran work toward a long-term settlement.
