Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed the new Iran-U.S. peace agreement in his first public statement since the ceasefire was signed [1].
The statement marks a pivotal shift in regional diplomacy, signaling that Iran's highest authority accepts the terms of the deal and is open to resuming direct talks with Washington [1], [2].
Speaking from his office in Tehran on June 18, 2026, Khamenei said the U.S. should avoid any future aggression [2]. He said that while Iran is committed to the peace agreement, any return to hostile actions would be met with a response [2].
As part of the broader agreement, the U.S. Navy has already permitted more than 12 ships to pass through to Iranian ports [1]. This move aims to ease the economic blockade and facilitate the flow of goods and oil, reducing the immediate tensions that led to the conflict [1].
The appearance of the Supreme Leader has drawn mixed reactions. While some view the endorsement as a stabilizing force for the agreement, other reports suggest that his presence and health remain subjects of internal questioning [3]. Despite these contradictions, the official message from the office of the Supreme Leader remains focused on the viability of the peace terms [2].
Khamenei's endorsement provides the necessary political cover for the Iranian government to implement the deal's requirements. By publicly backing the agreement, he has shifted the domestic narrative from one of resistance to one of strategic diplomacy, provided the U.S. maintains its commitment to the ceasefire [1], [2].
“Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed the new Iran-U.S. peace agreement”
The endorsement by the Supreme Leader is the critical hurdle for the peace agreement's longevity, as no major policy shift in Iran occurs without his approval. However, the conflicting reports regarding his health and presence suggest that while the policy is set, the stability of the leadership overseeing it may be fragile, potentially complicating long-term diplomatic consistency.
