New York Times: Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei Approved MOU Saturday, Ordered Missiles Readied After Dahiyeh Strike

According to material reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, Mojtaba Khamenei instructed Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf to bring the MOU to a vote before the Supreme National Security Council. The council reportedly approved the document despite objections from at least two hardline members. This approval suggests a high-level Iranian commitment to the emerging diplomatic framework just hours before regional tensions spiked.

Escalation and Internal Friction

The situation shifted dramatically following the Israeli strike on the Dahiyeh on Sunday. In response, Iranian authorities placed missiles on launchers along the country’s western border. Tehran reportedly issued an order to begin launches toward Israel around 01:00. Iranian officials, expressing fury over the strike, informed Qatari mediators of their intent to attack Israel and freeze the MOU signing.

Internal divisions emerged within the Iranian leadership regarding the appropriate response. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Ghalibaf argued that the Beirut strike was a deliberate provocation by Prime Minister Netanyahu designed to lure Iran into an escalation that would collapse the agreement. Qatari mediators reportedly warned Tehran that such a response risked losing the patience of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Analysis and Outlook

While Iran requested last-minute changes to the MOU text as the debate continued, Qatari mediators reportedly refused. The incident highlights the fragile state of the negotiations, where military actions on the ground directly threaten diplomatic progress. The Zioneer Intelligence Desk notes that while the order to launch was reportedly given, the broader diplomatic track remains active despite the friction. The situation remains developing as both sides weigh the risks of further escalation against the potential benefits of the MOU.