Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, confirmed on Thursday that he had authorised the framework agreement with the United States aimed at ending the regional conflict, even though he held a "different view" on the memorandum of understanding (MoU). In a statement read on state television, Khamenei said he granted permission after receiving assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who chairs the Supreme National Security Council, that the deal would protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.
Khamenei, who assumed office in March following the death of his father and predecessor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on 28 February, has not been seen in public since. His message marked the first official reaction to the framework deal signed by US President Donald Trump and President Pezeshkian.
Khamenei's Cautious Endorsement
In his statement, Khamenei accused Trump of using "all kinds of levers" to secure the agreement "out of desperation." He emphasised that he had received firm commitments from Pezeshkian that the deal would not be accepted if the American side made "excessive demands." The Supreme Leader also stressed that future face-to-face negotiations would not imply acceptance of the enemy's perspective.
The framework deal, signed at Versailles on Wednesday, has drawn criticism over its terms, particularly regarding oil sales, sanctions relief, and a $300 billion (€261 billion) reconstruction fund for Iran. Critics note the absence of a concrete programme for dismantling Iran's nuclear activities.
Vance Defends the Agreement
US Vice President JD Vance, who has become the public face of the deal, defended the agreement during a White House briefing. Vance stated that he would likely travel to Switzerland for technical talks to transform the MoU into a long-term accord. "The Iranians have to perform," Vance said. "If they don't perform as we've said before, they don't get any of the benefits of the bargain."
Vance rejected claims that the deal rewards Iran without achieving Trump's war aims. He emphasised that verification, not words, would determine compliance. "There's a lot of discussion, the MoU, the gentleman's agreements, the final deal. Words don't matter, ladies and gentlemen, we're about verification," he told reporters.
Vance also noted that oil prices were falling and that the US had lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, allowing "north of a dozen ships" to pass through. The 60-day verification period began on Thursday, he confirmed.
Political Stakes for Vance
Vance's role as the pointman on Iran is a political gamble for a figure widely expected to run for president in 2028. Success could bolster his reputation as a sceptic of US military entanglements, but failure could see him blamed by Trump. When asked if he feared being made the fall guy, Vance replied, "I think the president was joking, as he often does. But, no, look, the entire team has worked very well on this."
Vance also issued a sharp rebuke to Israeli critics of the deal, amid growing tensions between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," Vance said. "Anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation."
The developments come as European leaders gather in Évian for the G7 summit, where the Iran deal is expected to be a key topic. European airlines have been slow to resume Middle East flights despite the agreement, and the broader implications for European energy markets and security remain under scrutiny.
