Iran's top leader issues statement affirming desire to avoid conflict

In a written message, Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized that the Islamic republic has no desire to engage in war with the United States and Israel, but will nonetheless defend its national rights, as reported by state television on Thursday.

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This statement was made 40 days after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, marking the first day of the war.

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Mojtaba Khamenei explicitly stated, "We did not seek war and we do not want it," during a message that was read out on state television.

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He also underscored Iran's unwavering commitment to its rights, saying, "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 a remark that appeared to reference the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Tehran's ally, Hezbollah.

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Earlier in the week, Iran and the United States reached a tentative two-week ceasefire agreement, which could potentially pave the way for peace negotiations, following threats of annihilation from US President Donald Trump.

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Mojtaba Khamenei cautioned Iranians not to assume that the ceasefire renders street protests unnecessary, urging them to continue making their voices heard.

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He emphasized the significance of public demonstrations, stating, "Your voices in public squares are undoubtedly influential in the outcome of the negotiations," as broadcast on state television.