Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has firmly rejected all ceasefire and de-escalation proposals, declaring that now is not the right time for peace, and that America and Israel must first be defeated.
A senior Iranian official confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei held his first foreign policy session since being named Supreme Leader and took a stance for revenge against the US and Israel that was described as “very tough and serious.” Two intermediary countries had conveyed proposals to Iran’s foreign ministry for reducing tensions or a ceasefire with the US, but Khamenei dismissed them outright.
Khamenei reportedly declared that it is not the right time for peace, insisting that any halt to hostilities would only come after the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, forced to accept defeat, and compelled to pay compensation.
In his first public statement read by a state TV broadcaster, Khamenei called for national unity and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as leverage against Iran’s enemies. He also demanded immediate closure of all US military bases in the region, warning they would be targeted if they remain operational.
Khamenei’s health and whereabouts remain unclear, as Iranian state TV did not explain why he did not appear in person, with only a written statement attributed to him read out by an announcer.
US President Donald Trump responded by publicly questioning whether Mojtaba was even alive, saying “so far nobody’s been able to show him,” and adding that if he is alive, he should “do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.”
With over 2,000 people already dead and the Strait of Hormuz largely closed, global energy prices continue to rise as the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.
