Sources say Mojtaba Khamenei rejects draft, citing protection of Iran’s national interests
TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly declined to approve a proposed law submitted by President Masoud Pezeshkian concerning the Caspian Sea Convention, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The reported decision reflects concerns that the draft convention could negatively affect Iran’s long-term rights and interests in the Caspian Sea. Sources said Khamenei believes the proposed framework does not adequately safeguard the country’s legal and strategic position in the region.
According to the sources, the supreme leader stressed that Iran would not relinquish any of its rights in the Caspian Sea and insisted that any future agreement must fully protect the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests.
The reported move comes as the Caspian Sea remains a strategically important region for energy resources, maritime access and regional cooperation among the five littoral states.
Concerns over proposed convention
Sources claimed the draft legislation prepared by the government was considered detrimental to Iranian national interests. They said the leadership viewed several provisions as incompatible with Tehran’s long-standing position regarding its legal rights and share in the Caspian Sea.
Although officials have not publicly disclosed details of the proposed legislation, the reported objections underscore the sensitivity surrounding negotiations involving maritime boundaries, energy resources and regional security.
The Iranian government has not officially commented on the reported decision, and no formal statement has been issued regarding the status of the proposed law.
Strategic issue remains under scrutiny
The Caspian Sea has long been a subject of diplomatic negotiations among Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, with agreements covering navigation, resource development and regional cooperation carrying significant geopolitical and economic implications.
Observers say any legislation affecting Iran’s position in the Caspian Sea is likely to undergo extensive review due to its strategic importance. The reported rejection suggests that discussions over the convention may continue before any final decision is reached.
Neither the Office of the Supreme Leader nor the Iranian presidency had officially confirmed the reported developments at the time of publication.
๐ฎ๐ท SOURCES: Mojtaba Khamenei has not approved the law proposed by Masoud Pezeshkian, related to the Caspian Sea Convention, and stated that Iran will not relinquish its rights in the Caspian Sea.
The prepared convention is detrimental to Iranian interests pic.twitter.com/vPYPMgMaQa— ๐๐ก๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ ๐ป๐ฃ๐๐ค๐ค (@SprinterPress) August 4, 2026
