Iran's supreme leader says he approved US framework deal despite having 'different view'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that he had approved a framework deal with the United States to end the Middle East war despite having a "different view," without elaborating. In a message read on state television, Khamenei stated that he initially held a different opinion about the memorandum of understanding but granted permission based on assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front. It was Khamenei's first reaction since the Iran-US framework deal was signed by US President Donald Trump and Pezeshkian.

Khamenei claimed that Trump had used "all kinds of levers" to secure the deal "out of desperation." He noted that he received assurances from Pezeshkian that the deal would not be accepted if "the American side wants to make excessive demands." Khamenei added that future face-to-face negotiations "will not mean accepting the enemy's point of view."

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance defended the deal, saying he would likely head to Switzerland for talks to turn it into a long-term agreement. "The Iranians have to perform," Vance told a White House briefing as Trump faced mounting criticism over the terms. Vance rejected claims that the deal rewards Iran without achieving Trump's war aims. The most controversial points have been around oil sales, sanctions relief, and a $300 billion (€261 billion) reconstruction fund for Iran, with no firm program for dismantling Iran's nuclear activities.

Vance said Iran would only receive benefits if it proves compliance with terms to be finalized within a 60-day period following the signing of the memorandum of understanding. He noted that oil prices are falling and the US has lifted its blockade of Iranian ports, allowing "north of a dozen ships" to pass through the naval blockade. Vance also announced plans to go to Switzerland for technical talks on a long-term deal, though arrangements were not yet finalized.

Addressing Israeli critics of the deal, Vance issued an extraordinary rebuke amid growing tensions between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world," Vance said, urging Israeli officials to "wake up and smell the reality of the situation."