Mojtaba Khamenei Criticises Trump’s Approach To US-Iran Memorandum Of Understanding

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said he authorised the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Iran and the United States despite personally disagreeing with the deal in principle. In a message addressed to the Iranian people, Khamenei stated that he approved the agreement after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and the country's Supreme National Security Council that Iran's national interests would be protected.

The remarks came after the signing of an agreement between the presidents of Iran and the United States, marking a significant diplomatic development between the two countries. Khamenei said he had initially held "a different opinion" regarding the memorandum but ultimately permitted it to proceed after Iranian officials pledged to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and what Tehran refers to as the "resistance front."

In a post on social media platform X, Khamenei praised Iranian officials for their role in the negotiations, describing their efforts as being driven by "compassion and goodwill." At the same time, he sharply criticised US President Donald Trump, claiming that the American leader had acted out of desperation in his pursuit of the agreement. According to Khamenei, Trump resorted to various forms of leverage in order to bring the deal to fruition.

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"As you have become aware, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials, out of compassion and goodwill, made extensive efforts—and of course, it was this American president who, out of desperation, resorted to all sorts of levers to bring this about," Khamenei wrote in his message.

In a separate statement, Khamenei elaborated on the reasoning behind his decision to authorise the agreement. He said President Pezeshkian, acting as head of the Supreme National Security Council, provided explicit assurances that the rights of the Iranian nation would be protected. Khamenei added that the president and council members accepted responsibility for the implementation of the agreement, which ultimately convinced him to grant permission despite his reservations.

The comments underscore the continuing mistrust that characterises relations between Tehran and Washington, even as both sides move forward with a new diplomatic understanding. While Iranian leaders have presented the memorandum as a deal that protects national interests, Khamenei's remarks indicate that significant scepticism remains within Iran's leadership regarding US intentions. The long-term impact of the agreement is likely to depend on how both countries implement their commitments in the months ahead.

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