Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has declared that his country does not seek war but will not relinquish its rights, in a statement issued 40 days after the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the statement was broadcast via Iranian state television. The leader emphasized that while Tehran is open to de-escalation, it remains committed to defending its national sovereignty and strategic interests in the region.
The announcement follows a period of intense military escalation that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. These strikes resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other high-ranking officials. In response, Iran targeted various locations in Israel, as well as sites in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, and Cyprus, where military bases of the US and its allies are situated.
Amidst the heightened tensions, Iran, the United States, and their allies reached an agreement for a two-week ceasefire, which took effect on the night of April 8, 2026. Iran stated that during this period, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured, provided that transit is coordinated with the country's Armed Forces and adheres to specific technical limitations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption passes. Stability in this corridor is vital for global energy security. This ceasefire represents a significant diplomatic opening in a region that has faced unprecedented military volatility over the past several months, involving multiple international stakeholders and regional powers.
