TEHRAN—Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Thursday took a victory lap with the newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Iran and the United States, declaring that his country "defeated two nuclear powers … we truly are a superpower."

Critically, Baghaei said the agreement preserves Iran's ballistic missile program — a major win for the Iranians because the Trump administration had ripped up former President Barack Obama's Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), claiming it did not prevent such weapons, and President Donald Trump said at the outbreak of the war that stopping the program was critical for the U.S. and Israel.

Speaking to Iranian state television after the agreement was finalized, Baghaei confirmed that the memorandum had been signed by both countries and said the Persian and English texts were identical.

"As I speak with you now, the text of the memorandum of understanding has been signed by the presidents of Iran and the U.S." Baghaei said.

"The text of the Iran-U.S. memorandum of understanding is now officially finalized as both parties have signed it," he added.

Baghaei emphasized that implementation would be more difficult than negotiating the agreement and warned that Tehran would closely scrutinize Washington's compliance.

"Iran will monitor the U.S.' compliance without any leniency," he said, adding that Iran would not fulfill its end of the agreement if Washington "evades its obligations."

Under the terms outlined by Baghaei, Iran expects immediate relief from restrictions on its oil exports and access to international shipping, insurance services, and oil revenues.

He also said the United States must refrain from reinforcing military deployments in the region or imposing new sanctions during a 60-day negotiation period.

"Within the 60-day window, the other side must not take action to reinforce its military presence in the region or impose new sanctions," Baghaei said. "Such actions would be considered a violation of the agreement."

A central Iranian demand remains the retention of its enriched uranium stockpile inside the country.

Although the MOU makes no mention of Iran retaining enriched uranium, Baghaei rejected any transfer of nuclear material abroad.

"Transferring enriched nuclear material out of the country is unacceptable to us," he said. "Diluting enriched material is not a new option. It has now been introduced as one option, so as not to close the door on other options."

Baghaei also reiterated that Iran's ballistic missile program would not be subject to negotiations despite international concerns over Tehran's expanding arsenal.

"Iran's missiles are meant to be fired, not negotiated over. Our missiles don't even like being talked about," he said. "Iran's defensive capabilities will not be discussed in any process, with any party."

The spokesperson further outlined Iran's plans regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which a significant share of global oil exports passes.

He said Iran and Oman had largely agreed on mechanisms for managing the strait and indicated Tehran would collect fees from vessels using related services.

"Iran will charge fees for services in the Strait of Hormuz," Baghaei said. "The mechanisms for managing the Strait of Hormuz have largely been agreed upon with Oman."

He added that safe passage would be maintained while preserving "the sovereignty and dominion of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Strait of Hormuz."

Baghaei portrayed the agreement as a diplomatic victory for Tehran following months of regional conflict.

"Our enemies have inflicted harm on us," he said. "But a wounded lion remains a lion. The war they imposed not only did not bring us to our knees, but made us stronger."

Baghaei went further, declaring, "Iran defeated two nuclear powers that were also backed by some other countries. We are not making slogans: We truly are a superpower."

The agreement has drawn sharp criticism from Israel and some American political leaders, who argue that the deal grants significant concessions to Tehran while allowing it to retain its missile capabilities and enriched uranium stockpile.

Israeli officials have characterized the arrangement as a dangerous capitulation that could embolden Iran and undermine regional security.

Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz has contended that Trump's deal is a "catastrophic capitulation to" Iran's aggressors and leaves Israel vulnerable and constrained.

He emphasized that the MOU is one-sided, providing Iran with up to $100 billion in immediate aid without any formal agreement as to their nuclear weapons program or intentions.