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Jun 18, 2026 Major4
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Iran's Supreme Leader Approves U.S. Memorandum While Rejecting American Demands

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved a U.S. memorandum of understanding on June 18, 2026, while maintaining that the agreement does not constitute acceptance of American demands. He emphasized that Iran will defend its national interests and the rights of the "Axis of Resistance" and warned against excessive U.S. demands.

Quick Facts
Who
Mojtaba Khamenei (Iran's Supreme Leader)
What
Signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Iran
- Signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States
- Supreme Leader approved the memorandum despite principled disagreement
- Khamenei warned against excessive U.S. demands
- Parliamentary Speaker affirmed Iran's commitment to defending principles
- President pledged to prioritize national dignity in negotiations
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States on June 18, 2026, despite expressing principled disagreement with the agreement. In an open letter to the Iranian people, Khamenei confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump had signed the memorandum. He stated that he granted approval based on assurances from Pezeshkian, as chairman of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, that the agreement would protect Iranian national interests and the rights of the "Axis of Resistance."
Khamenei characterized the U.S. position as one of desperation, claiming that Trump employed various tactics to bring about the agreement. He emphasized that future face-to-face negotiations would not signify acceptance of American positions or demands. The Supreme Leader warned that if the United States presented what he termed "excessive demands," Iran would refuse to compromise and would closely monitor the implementation of the memorandum's provisions.
Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf subsequently affirmed Iran's commitment to defending its principles, stating that negotiations represented a struggle for the rights of the Iranian people. He indicated that Iran would respond without hesitation if the adversary attempted to exceed agreed boundaries. President Pezeshkian responded to Khamenei's approval by pledging that the government and Supreme National Security Council would prioritize the protection of Iranian citizens' rights and national dignity throughout diplomatic negotiations. The approval represents a significant diplomatic development while underscoring Iran's insistence on protecting its strategic interests and regional influence.
Why This Matters
This diplomatic milestone reveals Iran's delicate balance between negotiation and principle: while the Supreme Leader approved a U.S. memorandum, his conditional approval and explicit warnings demonstrate that Iran will not yield on strategic interests or regional influence. For readers monitoring U.S.-Iran relations, this signals both potential for dialogue and clear red lines that could derail negotiations if crossed.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireIran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approves U.S. memorandum in open letter to Iranian people
Jun 18, 2026
WireKhamenei states principled disagreement but approves based on presidential assurances
Jun 18, 2026
WireKhamenei warns against excessive U.S. demands and pledges to monitor implementation
Jun 18, 2026
WireKhamenei issues public letter to Iranian people confirming approval and outlining conditions
Jun 19, 2026
WireParliamentary Speaker Qalibaf reaffirms Iran's commitment to defending principles in negotiations
Jun 19, 2026
WirePresident Pezeshkian pledges to prioritize national dignity and citizens' rights in negotiations