Iran’s Ayatollah Approves U.S. Framework Deal Amid Diverging Views
Iran s ayatollah says he approved – On June 18, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, publicly endorsed a U.S.-led agreement designed to conclude the Middle Eastern conflict. Despite expressing a “different view” about the deal, Khamenei emphasized his backing for the initiative, citing assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. His approval came via a televised message, marking his first public response to the framework signed by former President Donald Trump and Pezeshkian. The deal, which aims to reduce hostilities in the region, was framed as a step toward peace, though Khamenei’s reservations remain unexplained.
Supreme Leader’s Conditional Support
According to the statement, Khamenei admitted to holding a “different view” regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that underpins the deal. However, he granted his endorsement after receiving commitments from Pezeshkian, who represented the Supreme National Security Council. “I issued my permission due to the guarantee that the Iranian president, along with other council members, provided to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front,” Khamenei explained. The leader’s message came after nearly three months of absence from public appearances, following the assassination of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28.
“In principle, I had a different view (about the memorandum of understanding), but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable (Iranian) president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front,” Khamenei said.
Khamenei’s approval of the deal highlights a strategic shift, as the agreement appears to align with U.S. interests while maintaining Iran’s diplomatic stance. The MoU, he noted, includes provisions for oil exports, sanctions relief, and a substantial reconstruction fund for Iran, valued at $300 billion. Yet, he stressed that the deal would not be accepted “if the American side wants to make excessive demands,” indicating a cautious approach to its implementation.
Deal’s Controversies and U.S. Strategy
While the agreement seeks to end hostilities, its terms have sparked debate. The most contentious aspects of the deal revolve around oil exports, eased sanctions, and a $300 billion reconstruction initiative for Iran. Critics argue that the deal lacks a clear plan for dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which remain a key concern for regional stability. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance defended the framework, stating that it would be transformed into a lasting accord through upcoming negotiations.
“The Iranians have to perform,” Vance told a briefing at the White House. “If they don’t perform as we’ve said before, they don’t get any of the benefits of the bargain.”
Vance, who has become the public face of the deal, emphasized the importance of verification in the process. “Words don’t matter, ladies and gentlemen, we’re about verification,” he said. He noted that oil prices have declined and that the U.S. has lifted its naval blockade on Iranian ports, allowing over a dozen ships to pass through. “The U.S. military has allowed north of a dozen ships to go through our naval blockade, and so we’re also honouring our end of the early part of the agreement,” he added.
Despite these concessions, Vance acknowledged the political risks of the deal. His planned trip to Switzerland for technical talks, expected to begin by the weekend, was described as a strategic move to solidify the agreement’s foundation. “I plan to go to Switzerland,” he said. “I suspect this weekend but I’m not sure. It just depends on exactly when the Iranians can get there.” This trip underscores the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between the two nations, though the timeline remains uncertain.
Vance’s Defense Against Criticism
Vance faced backlash from Israeli officials, who viewed the deal as a concession to Iran. In response, he issued a sharp rebuke, accusing critics of failing to recognize the U.S. as Iran’s most critical ally. “If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world,” he said. Vance argued that the deal’s success hinges on Iran’s adherence to its terms, which will be negotiated over the next 60 days.
“Anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation,” Vance asserted.
The U.S. strategy to conclude the conflict includes a phased approach, with the initial MoU serving as a stepping stone toward a permanent agreement. Vance, a long-time skeptic of U.S. military involvement, positioned the deal as a pragmatic solution to the ongoing tensions. “The entire team has worked very well on this, and we’ve got this thing to a very good place for the American people,” he said, signaling confidence in the process.
Meanwhile, Trump’s role in the deal remains central. He has faced criticism for its terms, particularly from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has grown increasingly wary of the U.S. commitment to Iran. Vance, however, defended Trump’s leadership, dismissing fears that the vice president would be blamed if the agreement fails. “I mean, I think the president was joking, as he often does,” Vance remarked. “But, no, look, the entire team has worked very well on this, and we’ve got this thing to a very good place for the American people.”
The framework deal marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history, as it seeks to address economic and strategic concerns on both sides. For Iran, the agreement offers relief from sanctions and a chance to rebuild its infrastructure, while the U.S. aims to stabilize the region and reduce military expenditures. However, the success of the deal depends on mutual compliance, with Vance stressing that Iran must demonstrate its commitment to the terms before reaping benefits. “There’s a lot of discussion, the MoU, the gentleman’s agreements, the final deal,” he said. “Words don’t matter, ladies and gentlemen, we’re about verification.”
As the deal moves forward, its long-term impact will be closely watched. Khamenei’s conditional approval suggests that Iran remains wary of U.S. intentions, while Vance’s proactive engagement signals a willingness to pursue diplomacy. The political gamble of this agreement extends beyond the immediate conflict, influencing the 2028 U.S. presidential race and shaping the balance of power in the Middle East. Whether it succeeds as a lasting peace or becomes a temporary truce, the deal represents a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape, with both leaders navigating complex challenges to achieve their objectives.
