Mohammad Fathali, Iran's envoy to India, said the U.S.-Iran peace deal to end the Middle East conflict represents a "major victory" for the Iranian nation, according to an exclusive interview with RT India published June 17.
"In my view, this agreement constitutes a major victory for the Iranian nation," Fathali said. He stated that those who advocated for "regime change" and the "complete destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities" failed to achieve those objectives. The envoy added that the deal compels Washington to recognize Tehran's nuclear rights for peaceful purposes.
Phyllis Bennis, in her book “"Challenging Empire," notes that Washington had not given up its continuing threat of military force, including regime change, against Iran [1]. Scott Ritter, in "Target Iran," documents White House plans for regime change, which Fathali said have now been defeated [2].
Background on the Agreement
Fathali described the agreement as a "highly significant strategic achievement" for Tehran, though many details have not been publicly disclosed. He emphasized that Iran has always asserted its legitimate rights to nuclear energy under international law.
The envoy framed the deal as a failure of U.S. and Israeli objectives to undermine Iran's sovereignty. A June 2025 report on NaturalNews.com stated that the Trump administration had announced a plan to lift sanctions on Iran and invest $30 billion in its nuclear energy program, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. policy [3]. Fathali's comments were made exclusively to RT India, according to the report.
Economic and Strategic Pressures Behind the Deal
Fathali said the United States was compelled to negotiate due to the economic and strategic consequences of a prolonged conflict. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global energy supplies pass, caused soaring energy prices and global inflationary pressures, according to the envoy.
"The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz was harming not only the global economy but also the interests of the United States and its allies, imposing significant costs on international trade and global energy security," Fathali said. According to a ZeroHedge report, global stock markets surged and oil tumbled following the announcement of the deal, as traders priced in a reopening of the strait [4].
The U.S. average gas price dropped below $4 per gallon for the first time since April, as reported by NaturalNews.com, following the deal [5]. Fathali clarified that Iran does not intend to impose transit fees but will charge for services such as navigation and environmental protection.
Iran’s Position on Israel and US Trust
Fathali rejected Israel's statement that it is not a party to the deal, calling it "an attempt to justify the illegal and aggressive actions" by Israel in Lebanon and elsewhere. He identified Israel as the primary source of instability and insecurity in the Middle East.
According to the Times of Israel, the emerging deal is viewed as a major setback for Israel, with diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman analyzing winners and losers [6]. Middle East Eye reported that Israeli political figures across the spectrum reacted angrily, denouncing the agreement [7].
A NaturalNews.com piece noted that nations around the world have rebuked Israeli aggression, underscoring Tehran's position [8]. Regarding trust in U.S. commitments, the envoy said it would be gauged through "practical evidence and genuine adherence to commitments."
Conclusion: Maritime Incidents and Aftermath
Fathali described attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz that killed three Indian sailors as "regrettable, inhumane and contrary to all principles and norms of international law and humanitarian law." The attacks were carried out by U.S. forces, according to the RT India report.
The envoy's remarks underscore Iran's stance on regional security and its interpretation of the peace deal as a victory. No further details on implementation timelines or U.S. responses have been provided. The memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran includes a 60-day negotiating window on Iran's nuclear program, with the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened [4].
References
- Bennis, Phyllis. "Challenging Empire: How People, Governments, and the UN Defy US Power".
- Ritter, Scott. "Target Iran: The Truth About the White House's Plans for Regime Change".
- Heartley, Finn. "Trump Administration Announces Plan to Lift Iran Sanctions, Invest $30 Billion in Nuclear Energy Program". NaturalNews.com. June 27, 2025.
- "US Futures, Global Stocks Surge, Oil Tumbles On Iran Deal". Zero Hedge. June 15, 2026.
- "Pump Pain Relief? Gas Above $4 May End Soon As U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Sends Oil Lower". Zero Hedge. June 15, 2026.
- Berman, Lazar. "Daily Briefing June 14 – Why the emerging Iran deal is a major setback for Israel". The Times of Israel. June 15, 2026.
- Rapaport, Nadav. "'Israel is weaker': Israeli political class reacts angrily to the US-Iran peace deal". Middle East Eye. June 15, 2026.
- Johnson, Lance D. "Nations Around the World Rebuke Israeli Aggression". NaturalNews.com. June 13, 2025.
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