"Just as Iran's drones struck the US and Israel with lightning speed, our naval forces are also ready to inflict new bitter defeats on the enemy," Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated in a message read on Iranian television on 18/4. The warning came as a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US is set to expire on 22/4.

The first round of talks between the two nations on 11/4 in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to yield results on key issues. These included control over the Strait of Hormuz and whether Iran can continue uranium enrichment.

Informed sources indicated that the US proposed Iran suspend all nuclear activities for 20 years, while Tehran might accept a 3-5 year period. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf stated on the evening of 18/4 that the US and Iran "have made progress in negotiations, but a significant gap remains between the two sides."

Mediators are pushing for the US and Iran to extend the two-week ceasefire and arrange a second round of talks to find a long-term solution to the conflict, but this process has not shown clear progress. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the two sides have not set a date for a second round of negotiations, adding that a framework of mutual understanding must be achieved first. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned on 17/4 that the US might not extend the ceasefire and could resume bombing campaigns if a long-term agreement with Tehran is not reached.

People watch the message of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran on 12/3. *AFP*

In his message, Khamenei described Iran's armed forces as "bravely defending its territory, waters, and flag" against military actions by the US and Israel. He added that Iran's military has "confronted two leading faithless and arrogant powers, exposing their weaknesses and failures to the world," with unwavering support from religious faith and the people. Khamenei also stated that Iran must strive to accelerate the military's development, adding that necessary measures would soon be enacted.

18/4 marks Iran's Army Day.

Nhu Tam (According to Al Jazeera, Press TV)