Iran president says critics of US deal echo Israel's narrative

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday accused domestic critics of the June memorandum with the United States of echoing Israel's narrative, defending the agreement as a significant achievement while dismissing speculation about his possible resignation.

Defense of US memorandum

Speaking in a televised address to the nation, Pezeshkian defended the agreement signed on June 18 that called for ending hostilities on all fronts, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching further negotiations on Tehran's nuclear program. "We will firmly defend what we have written as a memorandum of understanding," he said, insisting that the deal secured substantial gains for Iran despite vocal opposition at home.

Attack on domestic opponents

The president sharply criticized those who have labeled the agreement a failure, arguing that such assessments align with Israeli interests. "Those who want to label it a failure are being unfair, and this is exactly what Israel wants," Pezeshkian said, adding that these critics were "knowingly or unknowingly" conveying Israel's message. He dismissed opponents as standing on the sidelines while offering opinions on economic and political matters, noting that they failed to acknowledge the accomplishments secured through the negotiations. "Either they do not know the leader, or they lack logic and reason," he said. "What did we give to the United States? We achieved many accomplishments."

Resignation rumors dismissed

Pezeshkian also addressed recent speculation regarding his possible resignation, stating that any such decision would be announced through official channels rather than through media leaks. "If I want to resign, I will announce it officially," he said, rejecting rumors that have circulated amid ongoing debates over the memorandum's implementation.

Regional conflict background

Regional tensions escalated on February 28 when Israel and the United States launched coordinated military strikes targeting Iranian military, nuclear and energy infrastructure, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks against Israeli and US assets across the region. The June 18 memorandum, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, ended active hostilities and initiated talks toward a final agreement, though negotiations later stalled over disputes concerning maritime security and freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a critical export route for Gulf oil and gas.