'Desperate Trump used all...leverage': Mojtaba Khamenei after US-Iran deal
What's the story
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran to end hostilities in West Asia. However, he admitted that he had reservations about the deal. The agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, launches a 60-day negotiation period, extendable with mutual consent, for further talks on broader issues, including Iran's nuclear program.
Agreement approval
I had a different view: Khamenei
In a written statement, Khamenei said he had granted permission for the agreement despite having a "different view" on the matter. "I, as a matter of principle, held a different view; however...I granted my permission," Khamenei said. He stressed that this decision was taken at the recommendation of President Pezeshkian and the country's Supreme National Security Council after President Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials assured him of safeguarding Iran's rights and interests.
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The full text of the message of Imam Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, addressing the Iranian nation regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the presidents of Iran and America, June 18, 2026 pic.twitter.com/9nSD2NfkVe
— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) June 18, 2026
Criticism voiced
'No further demands will be accepted'
Khamenei also slammed Washington, alleging that "it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about." He further said that Iranian officials had assured him they would not accept any additional demands from the US. "He (Iranian President) also explicitly stated that if the American side seeks to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them," Khamenei said.
Diplomatic uncertainty
Uncertainty looms over next phase of diplomacy
Furthermore, he made it clear that any "in-person negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean acceptance of the enemy's position." Despite the agreement, there is uncertainty over the next phase of diplomacy. Earlier reports had indicated a meeting in Switzerland for a signing ceremony and discussions on Friday. However, the White House has now confirmed that JD Vance, who is leading negotiations for the Trump administration, "is not departing tonight."
Maritime impact
Meeting in Geneva canceled
Switzerland's foreign ministry also announced that talks set to take place on Friday between the US and Iran on implementing the 14-point agreement have been canceled. Pakistan, which has been playing the role of mediator along with Qatar, also has postponed its planned trip to Switzerland. "The proposed visit has been postponed as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has already been electronically signed, has entered into force, and is now under implementation," spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said.