Iranian lawmaker sparks legal storm after revealing Khamenei letters on US deal

What Happened

Hardline Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, publicly disclosed on state-run Khabar Network what he presented as correspondence from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that opposed a memorandum of understanding with the United States. Nabavian cited letters dated April 5, April 19, and May 24 in which Khamenei allegedly insisted that any agreement recognize Iran's right to enrich uranium, denied shared control of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman despite bilateral talks, and set 11 preconditions for continuing negotiations, including sanctions relief, asset releases, and compensation. The live broadcast was abruptly cut off by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which later announced legal action against Nabavian for publishing incomplete state documents, accepted the resignation of the network's director general, and expressed regret over the breach. Nabavian defended his actions on social media, claiming he was 'expressing the Leader's perspective,' while other officials condemned the disclosure as a violation of the law. The interview remained available on the IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency, which characterized it as revealing important revolutionary leaders' orders. The episode exposed a rare public fissure within the regime over the terms and legitimacy of negotiations with Washington.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The incident lays bare deep internal divisions within Iran's political establishment over engagement with the United States, as a hardline lawmaker openly accused the negotiating team of violating the Supreme Leader's red lines. It suggests that Khamenei may have privately imposed maximalist conditions that cannot be squared with evolving diplomatic talks, potentially undermining any prospective deal. The public split — amplified by the IRGC-affiliated Fars News's promotion of the leaked details — undermines regime unity, complicates Iran's negotiating strategy, and raises the stakes for both domestic power struggles and international diplomacy over the nuclear file.

Watch For

Monitor whether Iranian judiciary or parliament takes formal action against Nabavian, any additional leaks or resignations from the negotiating team, and whether hardline factions use the episode to constrain President Pezeshkian's government. Watch for shifts in Iran's formal negotiating stance at upcoming talks, and any reaction from Supreme Leader Khamenei's office that could clarify or disavow the letters. Also note if the IRGC or its affiliates further amplify the incident to pressure moderates, and whether the US or other P5+1 parties respond to the revelation of internal discord.