Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has stated that the Supreme Leader has personally tasked him with ensuring full compliance with all terms and clauses of the agreement. Qalibaf also warned that any breach of the agreement or excessive demands will meet a strong response, vowing no hesitation in delivering forceful retaliation if commitments are broken. These latest remarks add a sharper edge to Iran's diplomatic posture, signalling that Tehran intends to hold all parties strictly accountable to the terms of any concluded deal.

Supreme Leader's Mandate and Compliance Directive

The disclosure that Iran's Supreme Leader has directly assigned Qalibaf the responsibility of overseeing full compliance underscores the highest level of institutional weight behind Iran's negotiating position. By framing compliance as a mandate from the Supreme Leader, Qalibaf elevates the stakes of any potential violation, making it a matter of state authority rather than a technical diplomatic dispute. His warning of a forceful retaliation in the event of broken commitments further signals that Iran is prepared to respond decisively to any perceived deviation from agreed terms.

Hormuz as a Strategic and Economic Lever

Qalibaf has separately reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to pre-war conditions, asserting that Iran holds sovereign rights over the critical waterway and will charge fees for services provided there. According to Iranian state media cited by Reuters, he stated that enemies' actions have effectively turned Iran's Hormuz potential into reality. He pledged that all actions will remain within international law and maritime regulations, stressing that Iran does not intend to disrupt established navigation rules. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil shipments, making any shift in its operational framework a matter of international concern for trade and energy markets.

Personal Reluctance and National Duty

Qalibaf also revealed that he initially resisted taking on the role of negotiator in US talks, citing President Trump's involvement in the 2020 killing of Qasem Soleimani as a key reason for his personal reluctance. He stated that he ultimately accepted the negotiating role as a national duty after alternative candidates were rejected. The disclosure adds a significant personal dimension to Iran's diplomatic posture, underscoring the deep tensions that frame any engagement between Tehran and Washington.

Deep Distrust of the United States

In a pointed statement, Qalibaf said his distrust of the US exceeds anyone else's, adding that even a final agreement backed by a UN Security Council resolution would not be trustworthy. He asserted that Iran's own power remains its only guarantee, reflecting a hardened stance on the limits of diplomatic assurances. Taken together with his latest compliance warnings, these remarks signal that any prospective deal faces substantial credibility challenges from within Iran's own leadership, regardless of the formal framework under which it might be concluded.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei authorized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States and approved future direct talks, while explicitly warning that Iran will reject any excessive American demands. The leader stated that his permission was granted based on assurances from the Iranian President and members of the Supreme National Security Council, despite his personal reservations about the agreement. Khamenei emphasized that proceeding with negotiations does not signify an acceptance of "the enemy's point of view" or a shift in Iran's stance regarding US policies.

Stance on Negotiations

Khamenei clarified that his approval was conditional on the diplomatic process safeguarding Iran's rights and the interests of the "Resistance Front." He asserted that the American President acted out of desperation to secure the memorandum, utilizing various forms of leverage to bring the deal about. The Supreme Leader stressed that Iranian officials remain responsible for defending national sovereignty during the upcoming discussions.

Key Conditions

The written message outlined specific red lines for the engagement. Khamenei insisted that future in-person negotiations must not imply accepting US positions. He reiterated that if the American side proves too demanding, Iran will firmly reject those conditions.