Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. to end the war is a declaration of America’s defeat.
The statement follows the signing of the agreement on June 24, 2026 [4]. This diplomatic shift represents a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, as Tehran frames the cessation of hostilities not as a compromise, but as a symbolic victory over U.S. foreign policy.
Qalibaf said the deal is a reflection of Iran's resilience and the high costs borne by the United States. He said that the agreement with Washington is an "announcement of defeat for America" [1]. The speaker said that the memorandum serves as evidence that U.S. strategies in the region have failed to achieve their objectives.
Financial stakes remain central to the implementation of the agreement. Iran has demanded the release of half of its frozen assets, approximately 12 billion U.S. dollars [2], following the announcement of the memorandum. The total amount of Iranian assets currently frozen in the U.S. is estimated at 24 billion U.S. dollars [1].
The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for further diplomacy. According to the agreement, a second phase of negotiations is scheduled to take place within 60 days [3]. These talks are expected to address the long-term terms of the peace, and the full restoration of frozen funds.
While Qalibaf celebrated the deal as a strategic triumph, the agreement has faced scrutiny from various political factions. However, some U.S. political figures have defended the move. Donald Trump said that anyone who attacks the memorandum of understanding is either "a fool or jealous" [3].
“The agreement with Washington is an "announcement of defeat for America"”
By characterizing a peace agreement as a 'defeat' for the U.S., the Iranian leadership is attempting to maintain domestic legitimacy and project strength to regional allies. The demand for 12 billion US dollars in frozen assets suggests that Tehran views the immediate financial windfall as a primary metric of success, while the 60-day window for further negotiations indicates a fragile transition period where the actual terms of the peace remain unsettled.
