Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said no agreement with the United States can be finalized without the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [1, 2].
This requirement underscores the centralized nature of Iranian foreign policy and creates a significant hurdle for U.S. diplomats seeking a stable resolution in the Persian Gulf. The outcome of these discussions could dictate the security and accessibility of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping lane.
The statements follow ongoing discussions concerning a potential peace deal that would specifically affect the Strait of Hormuz [1, 2]. While some U.S. officials have signaled the possibility of a breakthrough, the Iranian presidency said that the ultimate authority over such decisions rests with the Supreme Leader [2].
Iranian officials said that the Supreme Leader holds the final say on all foreign policy decisions, including the terms of any peace agreement [1, 2]. This structure means that regardless of the progress made during diplomatic negotiations, the final signature remains with the clerical leadership rather than the executive branch.
Recent signals from U.S. representatives, including Marco Rubio, have suggested a potential shift in the diplomatic landscape [2]. However, the Iranian government continues to emphasize that the internal hierarchy of the Islamic Republic is the primary determinant for any international treaty.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of tension between the two nations. Any deal reached there would likely involve complex security guarantees, and economic considerations that must align with the strategic vision of the Supreme Leader [1].
“No agreement with the United States can be finalized without the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”
The insistence on the Supreme Leader's approval confirms that the Iranian presidency acts as a negotiator rather than a final decision-maker. For U.S. policymakers, this means that diplomatic breakthroughs with the president do not guarantee a signed treaty, as the clerical establishment maintains a veto over strategic interests in the Strait of Hormuz.
