Mojtaba Khamenei said U.S. President Donald Trump acted out of desperation to secure a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran [1].
The statement suggests a shift in the power dynamics of Middle East diplomacy, framing the agreement as a necessity for Washington rather than a concession by Tehran.
Khamenei made the remarks during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron [1]. He said Trump used all kinds of leverage to bring about the deal [1]. According to Khamenei, the U.S. was desperate to avoid further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz [2].
The agreement arrives as Washington lifted its naval blockade of Iran [4]. Khamenei said the two nations have digitally signed the peace deal, which he described as a path for future negotiations [4].
Despite these assertions, reports on the finality of the agreement vary. Some reports indicate the memorandum of understanding was signed during the dinner in France [1]. However, other reports state that talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland will no longer proceed, suggesting the deal has not been finalized [5].
Khamenei said the U.S. employed extensive leverage to obtain the deal because of the volatility in the region [2]. He said the U.S. approach was driven by a need for stability in the Strait of Hormuz [3].
“"Trump acted out of desperation and used all kinds of leverage for the Iran deal."”
The conflicting reports regarding the Switzerland talks and the French dinner highlight a lack of consensus on whether a binding agreement currently exists. By framing the U.S. as 'desperate,' Iran is attempting to claim a diplomatic victory and strategic dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of the legal status of the memorandum.
