US lifts blockade of Iran; Supreme Leader endorses direct talks

The United States has lifted its blockade on Iran, a move that allows oil tankers to resume passage through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This development marks the effective start of a tentative agreement aimed at ending a protracted war.

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In principle, I had a different view (about the memorandum of understanding), but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable (Iranian) president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.

In a significant statement, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the US. This marks his initial public reaction to the peace deal, which was signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Khamenei, who assumed leadership following his father's death in February, conveyed his approval through a message read on state television.

Khamenei stated that while he initially held a different view on the memorandum of understanding, he granted permission due to assurances from Iranian President Pezeshkian. These assurances reportedly focused on protecting the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front. Khamenei emphasized that future face-to-face negotiations would not signify an acceptance of the enemy's viewpoint.

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It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy's point of view.

US Vice President JD Vance may postpone a planned trip to Switzerland, which was intended to include a ceremonial signing of the deal and potentially initiate further talks. The agreement comes after months of conflict, with Khamenei suggesting that Trump had utilized all available means out of desperation to secure the deal.

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Trump had "used all kinds of levers" to secure the deal "out of desperation".