Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jun 30: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday said the recently signed peace Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States was negotiated in close coordination with the country's top leadership and approved through Iran's constitutional decision-making process.
Speaking during a visit to the central province of Qom, Pezeshkian said every stage of the negotiations was conducted in line with the country's broader strategic policies and in constant consultation with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
"All stages of the negotiations with the United States were carried out within the framework of the country's macro policies, in full coordination with the Supreme Leader and through the established legal mechanisms," the President said, according to a statement issued by his office.
He added that despite security-related sensitivities surrounding the talks, the final draft of the agreement was reviewed by the relevant authorities before receiving the approval of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Pezeshkian described the MoU as a significant diplomatic success for Iran, while reiterating that the country would not compromise on its national interests, fundamental principles or the rights of its people during negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement with Washington.
Iran and the United States signed the peace MoU on June 18 with the objective of ending hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. The two countries have since begun negotiations on a broader agreement focusing primarily on Iran's nuclear programme and the easing of international sanctions.
On Monday, Pezeshkian said in a post on social media platform X that progress towards a lasting agreement depended on mutual commitment, stating that Iran would fulfil its obligations if the United States honoured the terms of the memorandum.
He also asserted that while Iran remained committed to dialogue, it would respond firmly to what he described as "unreasonable boasting and unfounded threats" through rational decision-making and strong self-defence.
In a separate announcement on Monday, the Iranian President said that approximately 6 billion US dollars in Iranian assets currently held in Qatar would soon be released and returned to the country.
Calling the peace memorandum "a great victory" for the Iranian people, Pezeshkian expressed confidence that continued negotiations could pave the way for a broader settlement between Tehran and Washington.