Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said he held a different view on the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the United States but granted approval after assurances were given by the president.
In a written message issued to the Iranian public through state media, he stated that President Masoud Pezeshkian had taken responsibility and provided guarantees regarding the protection of Iranian national rights.
Khamenei noted that extensive efforts were made by officials, driven by goodwill, to reach the current stage, while he said the US president had used all available means during the process.
He added that President Pezeshkian had clearly informed him that Iran would not accept excessive demands from Washington.
The supreme leader maintained that any future negotiations would not amount to acceptance of the opposing side’s position.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran is negotiating from a position of strength and added that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to pre-conflict conditions.
Moreover, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that following approval at the highest level, any breach would carry a higher political cost, adding that talks on sanctions relief and the nuclear programme are expected within 60 days.
