The New York Times cited a U.S. official saying that Iranian civilian and military intermediaries have informed Washington that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is comfortable with the preliminary deal proposed with the United States. However, he has neither granted final approval nor openly declared his direct support for it yet.
The official indicated that Khamenei's stance is seen as a positive signal within negotiation circles, though uncertainty about Tehran's final decision persists.
The report suggests that the initial agreement focuses on de-escalation and launching a new negotiation pathway, with more complex issues, particularly Iran's nuclear program and economic sanctions, deferred to subsequent discussions.
The U.S. official emphasized that Iran will not receive economic benefits merely by signing the memorandum of understanding, stating that any financial support or sanction relief would be contingent upon fulfilling required commitments.
The dismantling of enriched uranium or Iranian nuclear facilities would gradually correspond with economic and financial incentives from the U.S.
IRGC Obstacle
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iranian security and military circles affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps have not granted final approval to the preliminary agreement, which could be one of the main hurdles to its completion.
The newspaper noted that the stance of the Iranian security establishment will be a decisive factor in determining the future of the agreement and the course of upcoming negotiations.
Abbas Araghchi stated that the ongoing understanding is two-phased, with the first being the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, and the second involving reaching a lasting peace agreement and addressing pending issues, including the nuclear program and sanctions.
Araghchi added that the text remains subject to modification, asserting that the current understanding reflects, in his words, Iran emerging from the recent confrontation in a stronger position.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed that the bulk of the agreement's text is nearly complete, accusing the United States of changing its demands and positions during previous rounds of negotiations.
Baghaei noted that his country entered the diplomatic process in good faith, affirming that Tehran will not accept, as he put it, any conditions or demands deemed unreasonable or that infringe upon its core interests.