In his message, the Leader said that the Iranian authroities made utmost efforts in the process leading to the signing of the MoU out of their goodwill but it was the US president who did all he could out of desparation for it.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that he was different in opinion about the MoU but he had to authorize it out of his duty and because of the commitments of the President as the head of the Supreme National Security Council to securing the nation and the Resistance Front’s interests.

The Leader stressed that in the in-person negotiations that follow the signing of the MoU, if the Americans make exessive demands, Iran will not accept by any means. He said that talks will not mean Iran will accept the enemy’s opinions.

At the end, Ayotollah Khamenei wished more successes to the honerable Iranian nation.

A translation of the the Leader’s message is as follows republished from Khamenei.ir website: 

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the passionate and loyal nation of Iran,

As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge, out of sincere concern and goodwill, made extensive efforts—and of course, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about.

I, as a matter of principle, held a different view; however, out of the commitment that the esteemed president—as the head of the Supreme National Security Council—gave to me on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members regarding the safeguarding of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of that responsibility, I granted my permission. He also explicitly stated that if the American side seeks to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them.

From this moment on, we—that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant—will await the realization of the aforementioned conditions.

However, it is self-evident that the in-person negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean acceptance of the enemy’s position. We hope that the blessed prayers of our Master (may God hasten his noble reappearance) will bring all kinds of victories and triumphs to the honorable nation of Iran.

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei

June 18, 2026