Jakarta, ThedailyID – Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei criticized US President Donald Trump following the signing of a peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran. He claimed Trump pursued the agreement out of desperation rather than strength.
Khamenei made the remarks in a national address on Thursday, June 18. His statement came days after Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 14-point MoU aimed at ending months of conflict between the two countries.
Khamenei said Trump had no choice but to pursue diplomacy after failing to achieve his objectives through military pressure.
“Trump acted out of desperation,” Khamenei said, while insisting Iran had protected its national interests throughout the negotiations.
However, Khamenei also revealed that he personally had reservations about the agreement. Even so, he approved the MoU after receiving assurances from President Pezeshkian and senior Iranian officials that Iran’s rights and strategic interests would remain protected.
He stressed that authorizing the agreement does not mean Iran accepts the United States’ political positions. Moreover, he said any future negotiations with Washington would take place face-to-face instead of through intermediaries.
The MoU gives both countries 60 days to negotiate a permanent peace agreement. Under the framework, the United States agreed to lift oil sanctions and support a reconstruction package for Iran once both sides finalize a broader nuclear agreement. Meanwhile, Iran committed to reducing its enriched uranium stockpile under international supervision.
The agreement has drawn criticism inside the United States. Several American media outlets and foreign policy analysts argued the deal grants Tehran significant economic concessions before its nuclear program is fully resolved.
