Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said in a written message that the country does not seek war with the United States or Israel, but will continue to defend its “legitimate rights,” according to Iranian state television.
“We did not seek war and we do not want it,” he said in a message read out on state TV, while stressing that Iran would not abandon its strategic interests “under any circumstances” and would continue to support what he described as the “resistance front,” including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
He added that those who attacked Iran would “not go unpunished,” signalling continued defiance despite a recently announced fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
Iran this week reportedly agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the United States, opening the possibility of broader peace negotiations after heightened tensions and threats of escalation.
The Supreme Leader also urged regional countries, particularly in the Gulf, to closely monitor developments, describing the situation as a “miracle” and calling for a clear and informed stance.
He further stated that Iran would move the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz into a “new phase,” without providing additional details.
The message comes amid ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s leadership structure following the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in the conflict. Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since his reported appointment, with state media stating he is recovering from injuries sustained in the same strike.
His leadership has largely been communicated through written statements read on television, while speculation about his condition continues internationally.
Originally Published By: Iranian state television (IRIB)
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