Iran’s Supreme Leader Approves U.S. Agreement Following Presidential Persuasion
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced on Thursday, June 18, that he has approved a preliminary agreement with the United States after being convinced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian....
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced on Thursday, June 18, that he has approved a preliminary agreement with the United States after being convinced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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Khamenei’s Reluctant Approval
Mojtaba Khamenei stated that while he was initially opposed to the deal, he was ultimately persuaded by President Masoud Pezeshkian. In a written message to the nation, the leader noted that he received assurances from Pezeshkian and other high-ranking officials that Iran’s rights and the interests of the “resistance front” would be protected.
The Iranian leader emphasized that future direct negotiations with the United States will not signify an acceptance of the “enemy’s position.”
Digital Signing and Diplomatic Confusion
President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday that he signed a preliminary agreement with Iran during a dinner in Versailles. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that President Pezeshkian signed the memorandum digitally, though it remains unclear if this document differs from a version signed digitally on Sunday.
Terms of the Agreement
The agreement includes the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the end of the U.S. naval blockade. It also features a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, the launch of 60-day negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of all sanctions, the unblocking of frozen assets, and a 300 billion dollar reconstruction program for Iran.
U.S. Military Eases Restrictions
U.S. Central Command confirmed on Thursday that it has lifted the blockade of Iranian ports. While U.S. warships will remain in the region to monitor compliance, the military stated that operations related to the enforcement of the blockade have concluded.
In a statement posted on X, the military affirmed that U.S. forces are no longer obstructing the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.