Mojtaba Khamenei says he backed U.S.-Iran deal despite objections

Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public response to the agreement between the United States and Iran, said he had initially taken a different position but approved it after receiving assurances from Iran's National Security Council chairman. He said the chairman, acting in his own name and on behalf of the other council members, pledged to protect the rights of the Iranian people and the “resistance front” and took responsibility for that commitment.

Khamenei warned that Iran would not accept excessive American demands. “If the American side tries to demand excessive demands, we will not give in to them,” he said. He added that from now on, “we, meaning you, the proud people, and I, your humble servant, will wait for the conditions mentioned to be implemented,” but stressed that any future direct talks would not mean accepting the enemy’s position.

Earlier, Iran published the terms of a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the war. The terms largely matched what Washington had previously released: both sides would avoid interfering in each other's internal affairs, would aim for a final agreement within 60 days after negotiations that could be extended, and Iran would not produce or possess nuclear weapons. The deal also said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would return to prewar levels.

Under the same terms, the United States would end all sanctions imposed on Iran, and Washington, together with its regional partners, would launch an economic reconstruction program for Iran. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who is also Iran's chief negotiator, called the agreement a defeat for Washington after more than three months of war in the Middle East. Speaking to Iranian state television soon after both sides released the text, he said, “This agreement is a defeat for the United States. People will see it and judge for themselves.”