Key Points:
- Mojtaba Khamenei marks 40 days since father’s killing.
- Khamenei says Iran “astonished the world” during war.
- Tehran insists it fought to defend legitimate rights.
- Iran vows punishment and compensation for wartime damages.
- Iran signals “new phase” without clarifying next steps.
ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared a “final victory” in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the United States, even as a fragile ceasefire remains under pressure amid continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, Khamenei marked 40 days since the killing of his father, Syed Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a joint US-Israeli strike at the outset of the war. He said Iran had “astonished the world” over the course of the conflict.
“We will not leave the criminal aggressors who attacked our country unpunished. Iran would pursue compensation for damages as well as justice for those killed and wounded.” – Mujtaba Khamenei
Khamenei, 58, who has not appeared publicly since the war began, maintained that Tehran had not sought confrontation but was defending its “legitimate rights”.
“We will not leave the criminal aggressors who attacked our country unpunished. Iran would pursue compensation for damages as well as justice for those killed and wounded.”
Ceasefire and Hormuz tensions
Referring to the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a flashpoint in ceasefire negotiations — Khamenei said Iran would soon move into a “new phase”, without offering further details.
A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed on Wednesday, brokered by Pakistan, to create space for negotiations. The deal came after escalating attacks across the Gulf and rising fears of a prolonged conflict, particularly following disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the agreement, Iran has allowed maritime traffic to resume through the vital waterway, although reports suggest Tehran may impose transit fees to support post-war reconstruction.
“Our hands are on the trigger.” – Mujtaba Khamenei
Despite the pause, Khamenei warned that Iran remained prepared to respond to any renewed hostilities. “Our hands are on the trigger,” he said.
Lebanon strikes threaten truce
Tensions escalated further after Israeli air strikes across Lebanon on Wednesday reportedly killed more than 300 people, casting doubt on the durability of the ceasefire.
There is ongoing disagreement over whether Lebanon is covered under the truce. Iran and Pakistan say it is included, while the US and Israel maintain that it is not. Several global leaders have called for Lebanon to be incorporated into the ceasefire framework to prevent further escalation.
Khamenei reiterated that while Iran did not initiate the war, it would not compromise on its rights, adding that the broader “resistance front” — an apparent reference to regional allies including Lebanon — remains united.
Delegations from Iran and the United States are expected to meet in Pakistan on Saturday for further talks aimed at securing a more durable end to the conflict.
