Iran's Supreme Leader Responds to Trump's Deal With Tehran: Read in Full

Iran's supreme leader has broken his silence on President Donald Trump's deal with Tehran, issuing a cautious endorsement that casts the agreement as a product of American weakness rather than Iranian compromise.

The statement came after the memorandum of understanding was signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, marking a major step toward ending more than 100 days of war and launching a 60-day negotiating period.

His response matters because, in Iran's system, no deal with the United States can proceed without the supreme leader's approval-effectively unifying Iran's political and military institutions, for now, behind a fragile ceasefire and uncertain path to talks.

It also comes amid unresolved questions about his leadership. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since being wounded in the early days of the war, an attack that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with other relatives.

Below is an English translation of the statement, based on the text published by the Iranian leader's office.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the passionate and loyal nation of Iran: As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States of America.

In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge, out of sincere concern and goodwill, made extensive efforts-and of course, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about.

I, as a matter of principle, held a different view; however, out of the commitment that the esteemed president-as the head of the Supreme National Security Council-gave to me on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members regarding the safeguarding of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of that responsibility, I granted my permission.

He also explicitly stated that if the American side seeks to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them. From this moment on, we-that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant-will await the realization of the aforementioned conditions.

However, it is self-evident that future negotiations will not mean acceptance of the enemy's position. We hope the blessed prayers of our Master (may God hasten his noble reappearance) will bring all kinds of victories and triumphs to the honorable Iranian nation.

Leader's First Response

This is Khamenei's first official response since the agreement was finalized.

His wording reflects a careful balancing act, endorsing the agreement while emphasizing Iran has not conceded its core positions. He stressed that future negotiations "will not mean acceptance of the enemy's position," underscoring that Tehran does not view the talks as a concession.

It also reinforces his authority at a time when his absence from public view has fueled speculation. Iranian officials have acknowledged he was injured in the February 28 strikes that killed his father and multiple family members, and he has remained out of sight since then.

What the Deal Covers

The agreement announced by Trump and Pezeshkian is an interim framework rather than a final peace treaty.

It lays out an immediate halt to hostilities and a commitment by both sides to end all military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, while avoiding future threats or use of force. The United States agreed to begin dismantling its naval blockade and ultimately remove nearby forces, as Iran works to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and ensure safe passage for vessels.

The agreement also sets a 60-day negotiating window to finalize a broader deal, with both sides pledging to respect sovereignty, maintain the current status quo and avoid new sanctions or military deployments during talks. Tehran reaffirmed it will not pursue a nuclear weapon, while negotiations are expected to determine the fate of its enriched uranium stockpile and broader nuclear program.

Economically, the framework opens the door to sweeping changes, including the release of frozen Iranian funds, expanded oil exports, the phased lifting of sanctions and a potential multibillion-dollar reconstruction plan backed by international partners.

Trump has described the deal as a major success, saying it will bring peace and lower energy prices, while dismissing critics who argue it gives too much to Tehran.

Pezeshkian, meanwhile, has framed it as a milestone for Iran, saying it could open the door to economic recovery and a more stable regional environment.

What Comes in 60 Days

Despite the sweeping announcements, the most difficult issues have not yet been resolved.

The next phase of negotiations-set to take place over the coming 60 days-is expected to address, among other things:

• Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and nuclear infrastructure
• The full scope of sanctions relief and economic normalization
• Verification mechanisms to ensure compliance by both sides

Even Trump has acknowledged that parts of the agreement only "conceptually" address critical nuclear issues, underscoring the extent of unfinished business.

For now, the memorandum is widely seen as a starting point that pauses the conflict while leaving its root causes to be negotiated later.

War and Ceasefire

The deal follows a brutal conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions by Tehran, which disrupted global energy markets and pushed the region toward a broader war.

The Strait of Hormuz-one of the world's most important oil chokepoints-became a focal point of the crisis. Shipping through the waterway collapsed during the fighting. Now, traffic is beginning to return. U.S. officials say millions of barrels of oil have flowed through the strait since the agreement, a sharp turnaround from near-total disruption.

Vice President JD Vance said Thursday at a White House press briefing that more than 12 million barrels moved through the strait in a single night after the deal was reached, signaling a rapid initial recovery.

Still, activity remains below normal levels, and risks-including lingering security threats and possible disruptions-continue to weigh on global shipping.

How the Deal Was Reached

Negotiations unfolded over weeks as both Washington and Tehran sought an exit from a costly and escalating war.

Trump repeatedly signaled optimism during the talks, saying negotiations were progressing well before the agreement was finalized. Iran pushed for relief from sanctions and access to frozen funds, while maintaining its strategic position in the region.

The resulting framework reflects those competing priorities: de-escalation and economic reopening in the short term, with more contentious issues delayed.

Khamenei's framing of the deal as a product of U.S. "desperation" highlights how Tehran is positioning the agreement domestically-as a victory rather than a compromise.

Republican Criticism Builds

The agreement has triggered sharp criticism from prominent Republicans.

Former Vice President Mike Pence warned the terms of the deal are “much bigger than a mistake," saying they "could essentially be a lifeline to the Iranian regime” and that the agreement “smacks of appeasement.”

“We ought to keep the pressure on, keep the blockade on, and if need be, let our armed forces get back to work,” he told CNN on Tuesday.

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy called the deal "the worst foreign policy blunder in decades," arguing on X that it fails to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and risks strengthening the regime economically.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz raised similar concerns, warning that financial concessions could ultimately fund militant groups and threaten U.S. interests.

Other critics have focused on the economic elements of the agreement, including large-scale investment plans, questioning whether they amount to rewarding Tehran without securing firm guarantees.

Trump has rejected those criticisms, insisting the deal is already delivering benefits, including stabilizing markets and lowering oil prices.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told Newsweek: “Following the historic destruction of Iran's military capabilities through the successful Operation Epic Fury, President Trump and his negotiating team have brokered an excellent, performance-based [memorandum of understanding] that advances the interests of the United States by ending the fighting, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to significantly lower energy prices, and forcing Iran to commit to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

“What the President has achieved on the battlefield and at the negotiating table is nothing short of remarkable and will strengthen American security for many years to come.”

Regional Risks Ahead

Even as the ceasefire takes hold, major risks remain. The agreement includes a halt to conflict across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, a key arena involving Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel.

But Israel is not a party to the deal, raising questions about whether it will fully support the arrangement or act independently if it sees threats to its security. Lebanon-and the risk of renewed tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah-could complicate the next phase of diplomacy if the ceasefire frays.

Khamenei's reference to protecting the "Resistance Front" suggests Tehran intends to maintain its regional alliances, even as it moves forward with negotiations.

A Fragile Turning Point

For now, both sides have achieved an urgent goal: stopping the war. But the supreme leader's statement makes clear that Iran views the deal as a tactical step, not a strategic shift.

With key issues unresolved and a 60-day clock ticking, the coming weeks will determine whether the agreement becomes the foundation for lasting peace or just another pause in a volatile conflict.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 6:09 PM.