Pezeshkian Defends US-Iran Peace Deal Amid US Political Criticism

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a peace memorandum of understanding signed with the United States on June 18, asserting the agreement to end the regional war was reached with dignity and power. Pezeshkian stated the deal followed principles established by former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and resulted from expert deliberation. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf supported this view, characterizing the memorandum as a diplomatic victory.

The agreement mandated a 60-day negotiation window to secure a final peace treaty, which ends this Monday. However, the prospect of a final deal remains uncertain following recent escalations between the two nations.

In the United States, Senator Ruben Gallego criticized the Donald Trump administration for its handling of the conflict. Gallego argued the administration entered the war without a clear mission or exit strategy, citing failures in Pentagon leadership and declining morale among military personnel stationed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.