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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi (left) speaks on the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran during an audio interview with state television on June 15 (local time). / Reuters Yonhap

The Iranian government announced that its core demands have been largely integrated into the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States. Tehran also framed the agreement not merely as a consequence of diplomatic talks, but as an achievement forged by Iran's military deterrence, reaffirming its hardline stance against Washington.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated in an interview with the semi-official Tasnim TV on June 15 (local time) that "all of our significant positions have been integrated into the draft MOU." Deputy Minister Gharibabadi explained that negotiations continued until the country's final requirements were fully incorporated into the definitive text, adding that intense coordination persisted right up to an hour before the official signing.

Iran made it clear that the agreement is not built on mutual trust. "This MOU does not mean we trust the enemy; it was drafted under a state of 'active distrust,'" Gharibabadi said, emphasizing that Tehran will strictly monitor the U.S.'s compliance with its obligations moving forward.

The Iranian government pointed to its own military leverage as the driving force behind the successful negotiations. Gharibabadi defined the agreement by stating, "The MOU is not simply a product of diplomacy, but rather a byproduct of Iran's military achievements."

He also declared that the strategic objectives established by the opposing camp during the conflict had been entirely thwarted. "All purposes of the enemy, who attacked to execute their sinister goals, have failed," Gharibabadi claimed, asserting that the Islamic Republic had achieved ultimate victory in the war.

Furthermore, he announced that under the agreement, the U.S. maritime blockade targeting Iran would be lifted, and military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, would cease immediately and permanently.

The official signing of the MOU, mediated by Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on June 19. Iranian authorities stated that following a 60-day verification period after the signing ceremony, they plan to enter main negotiations centered on the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the annulment of UN and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolutions.

                                                                                                           Lee Jung-eun