Iran-US Talks Require Supreme Leader’s Approval

Morteza Zarei, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, disclosed on May 3, 2026, that all negotiations between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad are strictly contingent upon the permission of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Zarei revealed the details via social media, stating that the authorization of the Supreme Leader serves as the fundamental basis for the Islamabad talks. According to Zarei, no negotiations can be initiated or conducted without this explicit permission.

The official further noted that the scope of the discussions is similarly restricted, as all negotiation content must remain within a framework approved by the Supreme Leader.

Restrictions on Nuclear Discussions

During the talks, Zarei reported that U.S. Representatives attempted to engage in discussions regarding the technical details of nuclear issues. However, the Iranian delegation informed the U.S. Side that the Supreme Leader had forbidden the team from discussing such technicalities.

Zarei stated that all future decisions regarding nuclear technical issues will be made exclusively by the Supreme Leader. As part of these restrictions, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran was prohibited from participating in the negotiation team.

Prerequisites for Ceasefire

Beyond the nuclear mandate, Zarei identified specific geopolitical requirements for the diplomatic process to advance. He indicated that safeguarding the interests of the Lebanese people and Hezbollah is a core prerequisite for the negotiations to enter a ceasefire phase.