Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said in a written message that the Islamic Republic does not want war with the United States or Israel, while stressing that the country will continue to defend its national rights, according to Iranian state television.
In the statement read on air on April 9, he said: “We did not seek war and we do not want it,” adding that Iran would not abandon what it considers its legitimate rights under any circumstances.
However, he also warned that Iran would not compromise on its position and described the country as aligned with a broader “resistance front,” an apparent reference to allied groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israel is currently engaged in conflict with Tehran-backed forces.
His remarks come amid fragile regional tensions following a recently agreed two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, which has raised hopes of possible negotiations after months of heightened confrontation involving threats from US President Donald Trump.
Khamenei also urged public engagement within Iran, stating that citizens should not assume street demonstrations are no longer necessary despite the ceasefire announcement. He said public voices would continue to play a role in shaping ongoing diplomatic developments.
“Your voices in public squares are undoubtedly influential in the outcome of the negotiations,” he said, according to state television.
Since assuming leadership following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28 — the first day of the conflict — Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly. His statements have largely been delivered in written form and read on state television.
Reports suggest he was injured in the same strike that killed his father, although Iranian authorities have not confirmed the extent of his condition. While US President Donald Trump has speculated about his possible death, Iranian state media maintains that he is recovering and has occasionally released images without verifying when they were taken.
