Irans Supreme Leader Approves US Deal Despite Disagreement

Iran’s Supreme Leader Suspends Transit Charges for Commercial Vessels Through Strait of Hormuz

In a written statement released by Iranian state media, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei announced that Iran will suspend transit charges for commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. The decision was made following a memorandum of understanding signed between Tehran and Washington earlier this week.

Khamenei stated that he initially disagreed with the agreement but ultimately approved it after receiving assurances from Iranian officials that the country’s interests would be protected. He warned that Iran will not accept additional demands from the US, saying “if the American side wants to be greedy, they [Iran’s leadership] will not accept it.”

The memorandum was electronically signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian this week, following a ceasefire agreement intended to end the conflict that began after US and Israeli attacks against Iran on February 28. The negotiations are expected to focus on sanctions relief and other contentious issues.

According to the agreement, restrictions on maritime traffic to Iranian ports have been lifted, and commercial vessels will not be charged passage fees for the next 60 days. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) welcomed the signing of the memorandum, stating that it will assist both sides with verification measures related to Iran’s nuclear activities.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that ships seeking to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must submit requests to Iranian maritime authorities and follow designated routes and schedules. US Central Command confirmed that American forces are no longer impeding vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

The easing of tensions has prompted uncertainty over whether Iranian officials will travel to Switzerland for talks with the US, which were expected to proceed as planned.

Source: Al Jazeera