Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the U.S.-Iran agreement despite reservations, giving political backing to an interim memorandum as negotiations moved forward in Switzerland.
In a written message issued Thursday, June 18, 2026, Khamenei said he authorized the memorandum after President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials assured him that Iran’s rights and the interests of what Tehran calls the “Resistance Front” would be protected.
Mojtaba Khamenei Backs US-Iran Agreement With Conditions
Khamenei said Pezeshkian, who heads Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had accepted responsibility for protecting the country’s interests under the memorandum.
The Iranian leader also said Tehran should not yield if Washington makes what he described as excessive demands. He added that direct negotiations with the United States would not mean Iran had accepted Washington’s position.
Switzerland Hosts Talks on Implementing the Memorandum
Switzerland said Saturday, June 20, 2026, that discussions were continuing at Bürgenstock, where it was providing a confidential setting for work on implementing the U.S.-Iran memorandum.
The Swiss government declined to identify the participants or disclose details about the substance of the discussions.
Iranian state media reported that a senior delegation had departed for Switzerland. The delegation was led by chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and included Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and senior security, central bank and oil officials.
Nuclear Issues, Lebanon and Hormuz Remain Unresolved
The memorandum was signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as part of efforts to end the nearly four-month U.S.-Iran war.
However, the negotiations still face difficult questions involving Iran’s nuclear program, fighting in Lebanon and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday that the strait had been closed. U.S. Central Command disputed that claim and said commercial vessels continued to travel through the waterway.
Why Khamenei’s Approval Matters
The diplomatic development comes as the U.S. Justice Department is reportedly examining bank transactions linked to Mojtaba Khamenei. Read more: DOJ Reportedly Probes U.S. Bank Transactions Tied to Mojtaba Khamenei
As Iran’s highest political and religious authority, Khamenei’s authorization gives the interim agreement essential domestic backing.
His stated reservations also demonstrate that Tehran’s support remains conditional. The Switzerland negotiations will help determine whether the memorandum can develop into a lasting settlement or whether disagreements over security, nuclear policy and regional conflicts will derail the process.
