Iran Claims Khamenei Approved Ceasefire Deal, Declares Victory Over the U.S.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has approved a proposed ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States, according to statements by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Speaking during a nationally televised address on Thursday, Araghchi said negotiations with Washington have reached their final stage and that the proposed agreement has received approval from Iran's highest leadership, including the Supreme Leader and the country's National Security Council.

Araghchi described the MOU as a framework aimed at ending multiple regional conflicts, including fighting involving Lebanon. He said Iran and the United States would, for the first time in 47 years, issue a written declaration recognizing each other's sovereignty and governing authority.

The Iranian foreign minister also expressed hope that, as part of a broader regional settlement, Israel would withdraw from Lebanese territory and halt military operations in Lebanon. He said lasting peace negotiations could advance if all parties fulfill their commitments.

"The agreement has never been closer than it is now," Araghchi said. "This could happen within the coming days. I am very hopeful."

According to Araghchi, the MOU will be signed and announced remotely through a digital process rather than during a face-to-face ceremony.

Dispute Over the Strait of Hormuz

Despite optimism regarding the ceasefire framework, Araghchi indicated that significant differences remain between Tehran and Washington over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.

While he confirmed that reopening the strategic waterway is included in the draft agreement, he insisted that control of the strait would not return to its pre-war status.

Araghchi stated that sovereignty over the waterway belongs to Iran and Oman and said Tehran intends to guarantee safe passage for commercial vessels. However, he also reaffirmed plans to impose what he described as a "service fee" on ships transiting the strait.

He added that Iran and Oman are expected to issue a joint statement soon outlining a new framework for managing and overseeing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Our sword will always hang over the Strait of Hormuz," Araghchi said, emphasizing Iran's intention to maintain leverage over the strategic shipping route.

The comments come after Iran previously moved to effectively restrict traffic through the strait during the conflict, while the United States rejected any attempt by Tehran to impose transit fees or interfere with international shipping.

Araghchi also stressed that any U.S. maritime blockade measures must be fully lifted, describing the issue as a primary condition within the proposed agreement.

Nuclear Talks to Follow Ceasefire Agreement

Iran and the United States are expected to address nuclear issues only after the ceasefire MOU is formally implemented.

Araghchi said future nuclear negotiations would constitute a separate phase and would not proceed unless the current agreement is fully carried out. He also reiterated Tehran's position that its stockpile of enriched uranium should be diluted inside Iran rather than transferred abroad, rejecting a long-standing U.S. demand.

The foreign minister further accused Israel of attempting to undermine the emerging agreement, claiming that Israeli leaders are searching for reasons to derail a potential deal between Tehran and Washington.

Araghchi concluded by asserting that Iran emerged stronger from the conflict and characterized the country as the winner of its confrontation with the United States, arguing that the war and subsequent negotiations had strengthened Iran's strategic position.