Iran's Supreme Leader calls Trump 'desperate' over deal
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called U.S. President Donald Trump "desperate" in comments about a recent deal.
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed the lifting of a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The article also briefly mentions unrelated news items including a crocodile enclosure incident, a car fire, and an Ebola outbreak.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has broken his silence on a recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran, characterizing U.S. President Donald Trump as "desperate." The comments, broadcast on Iranian state television, suggest a critical view of the U.S. president's motivations in reaching the deal.
In the course of events leading up to this stage, responsible officials, motivated by sincerity and goodwill, have made extensive efforts โ and of course, it was the American president who, in desperation, used all forms of pressure to achieve this.
Khamenei stated that while Iranian officials made extensive efforts driven by sincerity, Trump "used all forms of pressure in desperation" to achieve the agreement. He indicated that he had reservations about signing the deal but ultimately gave his permission based on assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian reportedly pledged to take responsibility for protecting the rights of the Iranian nation and the "Front of Resistance," and assured that Iran would not be burdened if the U.S. side overstepped.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that the American fleet has lifted its blockade on oil and trade vessels heading to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Vance stated that further negotiations with Iran are expected to lead to a more comprehensive agreement regarding the strait, emphasizing that such a critical maritime route "should never be used as a stranglehold on the global economy ever again."
A such critical sea route 'should never be used as a stranglehold on the global economy ever again.'
Khamenei's statement, delivered in a formal address, also conveyed a message of anticipation for the fulfillment of the agreed-upon conditions. He noted that face-to-face negotiations in the future would not equate to accepting the enemy's stance. The Supreme Leader expressed hope for victories for the Iranian nation.
In principle, I had a different opinion, but due to the commitment that the esteemed president, as president of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me in his name and in the name of other members, that they would protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and since he stated that he would take responsibility for it, I gave permission.
Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.