There Is No Precedent for This Memorandum

Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has voiced support for the government of President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States, calling it a major opportunity that should not be squandered. In a video address published by the Iran-based news site Eghtesadonline, Khatami backed the government against opposition from the country's conservative faction. While stating that he, like other Iranian politicians, does not trust the US, Khatami said, "The signed memorandum of understanding is a great opportunity that should not be wasted for the country.

He added, "If we lose the opportunity created by the memorandum, we will face very serious problems. There is no precedent for this memorandum. Since World War II, there has been no other document signed by a US President that grants this many concessions to the other side.

Expressing his support for Pezeshkian, Khatami said, "Every step taken toward lifting restrictions on Iran and opening the road to the future should be supported. I kiss the hand of Mr. Pezeshkian for courageously and selflessly signing this memorandum. I also thank Iran's leader Mojtaba Khamenei for approving the memorandum and the Supreme National Security Council for voting in its favor.

Iran and the US had announced on June 14 that they reached a 14-article agreement, brokered through Pakistan, providing for a cessation of hostilities and the resolution of disputes through negotiations. The memorandum, named the "Islamabad Agreement, was signed digitally on June 18 by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, entering into force. The agreement includes provisions for ending the war, including in Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.