Donald Trump “used all kinds of leverage” to strike a deal with Iran “out of desperation”, the Middle Eastern country’s Supreme Leader claimed in an extraordinary statement.
In a message shared by Iranian media, the leader of the country Mojtaba Khamenei, said he committed to the the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to protect the rights of the nation. He said: “The passionate and loyal Iranian nation, as you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and the US. On the way to reaching this stage, the (Iranian) authorities made many efforts out of compassion and goodwill, and of course, it was the US president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage points for this.
“In principle, I had a different opinion, but I issued the permission due to the commitment that the esteemed president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, and the other members (of the council) gave me to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and he stated that he would accept the responsibility for it.
“He also stated that if the American side wants to make excessive demands, they will not [agree to them]. From this moment on, we, that is, you, the proud nation and I, will await the fulfillment of the aforementioned conditions. However, it is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s view.”
Iranian media also said Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who served as mediator in the months-long diplomatic effort, also signed the memorandum, saying the agreement enters into force with immediate effect.
It is understood that the signing of the peace agreement was “digital” and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is now in effect, and Iran now has 60 days to demonstrate its commitment to peace and reform following the signing of the accord with America. Both sides will be required to enter into discussions to resolve the most significant outstanding matters.
The MOU was published in full on Wednesday, setting out the framework for the next two months of negotiations between the US and Iran and Tehran, with the US still aiming to achieve its overarching objective of de-proliferation.
President Trump, however, warned leaders in Tehran to honour the agreement, or the US will restart the war and proceed with the Islamic Republic’s destruction. It is understood Iran will vow that it will not build a nuclear weapon as part of the MOU.
The two nations will also need to reach some form of agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and whether it remains open to shipping traffic. The signing of the MOU also meant an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
