Khamenei made clear his support for the US peace deal despite personal doubts

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has revealed that he approves of the recently signed agreement between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, although he was initially skeptical about the agreement.

In a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, Khamenei said his decision was based on assurances given by President Masoud Pezeshkian and the country’s security leaders that Iran’s national interests would be protected throughout the process.

“In principle, I have a different view (on the memorandum of understanding), but I gave permission because of the commitment given by the honorable (Iranian) president, as chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front,” Khamenei said in a message read on state television.

The remarks marked Khamenei’s first public reaction to the peace agreement signed by Iranian President Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, which officially ended the regional conflict that erupted earlier this year.

The 56-year-old cleric assumed Iran’s top leadership position in March following the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial stages of the US-Israeli military offensive against Iran on February 28. The attack sparked wider conflict in the Middle East and significantly increased tensions throughout the region.

Although Khamenei supported the agreement, he stated that Washington had aggressively pursued the agreement and described the agreement’s outcome as the result of American pressure and not an Iranian concession.

Also read: EU and civil society groups launch real-time election monitoring center for Ekiti governorship election

According to him, Trump had “used all kinds of means” to secure the deal “out of desperation”.

The Iranian leader further revealed that he had been assured by President Pezeshkian that Tehran would not accept any arrangement that undermines its sovereignty or national interests.

In his message, Khamenei noted that he received assurances from Pezeshkian about the deal and that it would not be accepted “if the American side wants to make excessive demands.”

While expressing his support for the continuation of diplomatic ties, he emphasized that future discussions with Washington should not be interpreted as an acceptance of American positions or policies.

“It is clear that future face-to-face negotiations do not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view,” he added.

The statement provides new insight into internal deliberations before the signing of the agreement and underscores the cautious approach Iran’s leadership intends to adopt as the two countries enter a new phase of direct engagement after months of conflict.