Mujtaba Khamenei: Iranian Supreme Leader Says ‘America Signed the Deal Out of Desperation’
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The US has ended its maritime blockade on Iran after signing a peace agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East.
The US Central Command (‘CENTCOM’) confirmed the removal of the blockade under orders from President Donald Trump. A post on ‘X’ stated that some US naval vessels will still be stationed in international waters in the region.
Following this, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei acknowledged the agreement with the US despite expressing “differences in opinion.” However, he did not elaborate on the nature of these disagreements.
He stated that he granted approval to proceed with the agreement after President Masoud Pahesekian assured that it would “protect the rights of the Iranian nation.”
Khamenei claimed that US President Trump became “desperate” to finalize the deal and used “all kinds of pressure tactics.”
First Public Reaction
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In his first public remarks after Thursday’s agreement, Pahesekian warned that Iran would not agree to excessive US demands aimed at solidifying the peace deal.
He emphasized that any future direct talks with the US should not be seen as support for any opposing parties.
Mujtaba Khamenei, who became Supreme Leader in March after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an attack by the US and Israel on February 28, has not made public appearances but issued a written statement about the agreement.
The deal has drawn criticism from some quarters, including US Republican lawmakers.
US Gains Upper Hand in Upcoming Negotiations
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US Vice President J.D. Vans dismissed claims that Iran received “too many concessions” under the agreement, asserting that the US will hold a stronger position in forthcoming talks.
Vans also revealed that over 11.2 million barrels of oil have already passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Trump has yet to respond directly to Khamenei’s comments.
On ‘Truth Social,’ Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire “on all fronts” between Hezbollah groups backed by Iran and Israel in Lebanon. He also voiced confidence in the commitment of Middle Eastern countries to promote dialogue and negotiations.
The peace agreement between Iran and the US consists of 14 main points.
Key provisions include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s commitment never to develop nuclear weapons, and the establishment of a $30 billion fund for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. US contributions to this fund are not mandatory.
The agreement sets a 60-day deadline for both parties to reach a final decision.
Although a formal signing ceremony was anticipated on Friday in Switzerland, Pakistan, which mediated the talks, announced the event was canceled since the agreement had already been signed earlier.
US and Iranian officials are reportedly preparing to meet again in Switzerland for further negotiations. Vice President Vans has indicated that the date for these talks is not yet finalized.