On 1/5, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced that Iran "has become a military power after years of effort." He also urged Iranian teachers and educators to instill "Iranian-Islamic identity in the minds and souls of the youth."

He further called on citizens to contribute to economic development and "disappoint adversaries," noting that years of conflict with the US and Israel, coupled with sanctions, have inflicted substantial losses on the nation.

Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, in 10/2024. *Photo: AFP*

"Iran has demonstrated its military progress and superiority to the world, but we must continue to frustrate our adversaries on the economic and cultural fronts," he wrote.

The Iranian leader urged citizens to "prioritize consuming domestically produced goods." He also advised business owners facing losses to minimize layoffs and workforce reductions.

Tehran and Washington have observed a ceasefire in recent weeks, yet the US maintains a blockade on Iranian ports, disrupting oil shipments. Concurrently, Iran's inflation rate has surpassed 50% recently, according to the national statistics center.

Last week, the Iranian rial hit a record low against the US dollar. Reportedly, 191,000 individuals filed for unemployment benefits after job losses stemming from the conflict.

On 1/5, Iran's IRNA news agency reported that the country submitted a new negotiation proposal to the US through Pakistan, though details were not disclosed.

On the same day, Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of Iran's judiciary, asserted that Tehran has never avoided negotiations but will not accept impositions. He stated, "We do not want conflict in any form."

Iran had previously suggested the US postpone nuclear talks, instead prioritizing the lifting of port blockades and a complete end to the conflict. President Trump, however, rejected this approach.

Vu Hoang (According to CNN, AFP, Reuters)