Iran's Supreme Leader: Trump sought peace deal out of 'desperation'

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted that U.S. President Donald Trump pursued the recent memorandum of understanding with "desperation" and employed "all sorts of tricks." In an official statement, the highest political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic disclosed his initial opposition to the document.

Khamenei ultimately granted institutional consent due to the strong insistence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Supreme National Security Council. Their efforts aimed to safeguard the rights of the nation and the so-called "Axis of Resistance."

The memorandum of understanding, formally sealed after months of complex diplomatic negotiations mediated by Pakistan, decrees an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all open fronts in the region, including Lebanon. It also mandates the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In return, the United States commits to lifting trade sanctions on the sale and transport of Persian oil. Iran, reciprocally, assumes the obligation not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons.

Khamenei indicated that delegations from both countries now have 60 days to draft the final peace treaty, which will address the future of the atomic program and the complete dismantling of economic penalties. He specified that subsequent working sessions will be held in person, potentially leading to face-to-face meetings between Tehran and Washington diplomats. However, he clarified that this physical proximity would not signify acceptance of the "enemy's" political stances.

This pronouncement holds particular significance given the usual secrecy surrounding the Iranian head of state. Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader on March 8, following his father Ali Khamenei's assassination on February 28. Since taking power, the dignitary has made no public appearances or live speeches, limiting his communication entirely to signed texts on virtual platforms or official statements read by state television presenters.

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this physical proximity will not under any circumstances mean acceptance of the enemy's political positions