Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has endorsed direct negotiations with the United States, marking a significant diplomatic shift in the aftermath of the agreement that ended months of hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
In a statement broadcast by Iranian state media late Thursday, Khamenei said future face-to-face talks with the United States would not amount to surrendering Iran’s position.
“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion,” he said.
The remarks represent Khamenei’s first public response since Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and launching negotiations toward a permanent settlement.
His endorsement is likely to strengthen the legitimacy of upcoming diplomatic efforts, given his position as Iran’s highest political and religious authority.
The statement also signals a notable change in tone after years of deep hostility between Tehran and Washington, particularly following the war that erupted earlier this year.
While Khamenei stressed that direct talks would not mean yielding to American demands, his support removes one of the biggest political obstacles to sustained negotiations between the two countries.
The comments come amid continued uncertainty over the durability of the peace agreement, which includes commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease economic restrictions and begin discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since he was reportedly wounded in a strike during the opening stages of the conflict. His absence had fueled speculation about his health and his role in shaping Iran’s response to the agreement.
By publicly backing direct engagement with Washington, the supreme leader has now provided the clearest indication yet that Tehran intends to pursue diplomacy as the next phase of its relationship with the United States.
The development is expected to boost confidence in the ongoing peace process, although major disputes remain unresolved and negotiations are likely to be difficult.
Still, Khamenei’s endorsement sends a powerful message: after months of warfare and confrontation, Iran’s leadership is prepared to sit across the table from its longtime adversary in search of a broader settlement.
