Iran's Khamenei approves deal, says Trump acted out of 'desperation'

WorldPolitics
19 Jun 2026 • 3:02 AM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

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Image from: Iran's Khamenei approves deal, says Trump acted out of 'desperation'
A participant holds a picture of the new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei during the "Stop Zionism - Solidarity with Palestine & Iran" demonstration. (is associated with: «Iran's Khamenei approves deal, says Trump acted out of 'desperation'») Hannes P Albert/dpa

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a letter shared by state media on Thursday that he approved the framework agreement with the United States but with reservations.

Khamenei said he disagreed in "principle" with the deal but ultimately gave his approval out of a sense of responsibility toward the Iranian people and its allies.

He said the deal was made by President Donald Trump "out of desperation."

Iran is now awaiting the fulfilment of its conditions, the letter said. It added that future direct negotiations do not imply acceptance of the opposing side’s position.

The 56-year-old was appointed as his father Ali Khamenei's successor on March 8, 2026, after Khamenei was killed a week earlier in US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.

Since taking office as the country’s highest political authority, the new supreme leader has not appeared in public. His absence has fuelled speculation about his health.

Unconfirmed reports suggest he survived the attack with serious injuries and is still receiving medical treatment. These claims cannot be independently verified.