The Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, made public for the first time his reasons for approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the United States. He explained on June 18 that he initially had “a different view” regarding a new attempt at diplomacy with Washington. However, he “granted permission” for the deal to go ahead after Iranian President Pezeshkian assured him that he will be able to safeguard Tehran’s interests during future talks. He reported that Pezeshkian “stated explicitly that if the American side seeks excessive demands, they [Tehran’s negotiators] will not submit to them.” Hence: “From this moment, we, the proud nation [of Iran], and I, your humble servant, will await the fulfillment of the conditions that have been stated.”
Apparently, Trump is having trouble processing that he is supposed to fulfill conditions that he put his name to and/or simply doesn’t hear what Iran is saying quite clearly. However, he did pick up on one particular comment. Khamenei referred to Trump’s repeatedly pushing for an agreement and to Trump’s own references to facing a possible financial blowout, by asserting that it was “the U.S. president who—out of desperation—resorted to various means to bring about this outcome.”
