Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted today that US President Donald Trump agreed to an interim peace deal with Iran "out of desperation." The agreement, which took effect on June 19, 2026, has lifted the naval blockade on Iran and reopened the vital Strait of Hormuz for oil tankers.
Khamenei, in his first public statement since assuming office in March, confirmed he approved the deal despite holding a "different view." He stated his approval came after receiving assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the agreement would "protect the rights of the Iranian nation."
Key Terms and Reactions to the Interim Deal
The interim agreement initiates a 60-day period for further negotiations aimed at a comprehensive resolution. According to US Central Command, the naval blockade's end was "in accordance with the President's direction," though some US vessels will remain in the area.
- Strait of Hormuz Reopened: A critical outcome, allowing oil exports to resume, which immediately led to a drop in global oil prices to their lowest since March 2.
- Nuclear Program: Iran is required to destroy its enriched uranium stockpile and commit to never possessing a nuclear weapon.
- Reconstruction Fund: A $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction and economic development is part of the pact, though the US is not obligated to contribute.
- Proxy Groups: Iran must prove it will not fund proxy groups in the region.
President Trump expressed expectations for a ceasefire on all fronts, including between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, hoping regional countries would facilitate continued negotiations. However, Israel's continued conflict with Hezbollah has already cast doubt on the deal's long-term durability.
Criticism and Defense
US Vice-President JD Vance defended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), emphasizing that Iran would not receive funds or sanctions relief unless it met its obligations. Vance also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet members for attacking the deal, warning them to "wake up and smell the reality."
"If the American side wants to be too demanding, we will not accept it."
— Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader
Conversely, the deal has faced significant criticism within the US. Senator Bill Cassidy labeled it the "worst foreign policy blunder in decades," arguing that Iran's nuclear ambitions remained unchecked and that the agreement validated threatening the Strait of Hormuz. Some Republican allies questioned whether Trump conceded too much to end an unpopular conflict.
Khamenei, who took office after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes in February 2026—an event that triggered the regional war—warned that upcoming talks on Iran's nuclear program would not be easy. He also stated that while "in-person negotiations in the future" would occur, this "will not mean acceptance of the enemy's position."
A planned official signing ceremony in Switzerland was canceled, with the deal signed remotely. US and Iranian representatives are expected to meet in Switzerland for technical talks, though Vice-President Vance noted the logistical challenges of Iran's participation.