ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the Islamic Republic is not seeking war with the United States or Israel, but will firmly defend its national rights under all circumstances.
In a written message broadcast on state television Thursday, Khamenei said, “We did not seek war and we do not want it.”
The message coincided with 40 days since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 at the onset of the conflict.
Reaffirming Iran’s stance, he added, “But we will not renounce our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in this respect, we consider the entire resistance front as a whole,” in what appeared to reference ongoing tensions involving Tehran’s allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
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His remarks come amid a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, raising cautious hopes for possible peace negotiations after heightened tensions and threats of escalation.
Despite the ceasefire, Khamenei urged citizens not to relent in civic engagement, stressing the importance of public participation in shaping outcomes.
“Your voices in public squares are undoubtedly influential in the outcome of the negotiations,” he said.
He also warned against complacency, adding that citizens “must not imagine that taking to the streets is no longer necessary,” signalling continued domestic mobilisation even as diplomatic efforts unfold.