Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced on 9/4 that Iran intends to seek compensation for all damages, deaths, and injuries suffered from the ongoing conflict. While emphasizing that Iran "does not want war", he affirmed the nation's resolve to uphold its legitimate rights under all circumstances. Khamenei's message, broadcast on Iranian state television, underscored Iran's view of the entire "resistance front" as a unified, inseparable bloc, seemingly referencing the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, a key ally of Tehran.
The Iranian leader also declared that the country "will usher in a new phase for the management of the Strait of Hormuz", a vital global shipping lane. However, he did not provide specific details regarding this new phase.
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Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Photo: Tasnim. |
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Photo: Tasnim.
Khamenei extended a warning to Arab nations bordering the Persian Gulf, urging them to "beware of empty promises from the devil". He stated that Tehran awaits an "appropriate response" from these nations as a demonstration of goodwill and brotherhood. Domestically, Khamenei called on the Iranian populace not to underestimate the importance of street demonstrations, asserting that "your voice in public certainly influences negotiation outcomes."
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since taking office. Reports suggest he sustained injuries in an attack on 28/2, which resulted in the death of his father, the late leader Ali Khamenei. His official statements are consistently read on Iranian state television.
The broader conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has led to significant casualties, with over 2,000 deaths in Iran, more than 1,600 in Lebanon, 26 in Israel, 13 US soldiers, and dozens across various Gulf nations. In a recent development, the US and Iran reached a ceasefire agreement on 8/4, which also included an understanding to open the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks. Delegations from both countries are scheduled to hold discussions in Pakistan on 11/4.
By Nguyen Tien (Source: AFP, CNN, Tasnim)
