Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has rejected proposals aimed at reducing tensions with the United States, declaring that it is “not the right time for peace” until Washington and its ally Israel are defeated and forced to pay compensation.
According to a senior Iranian official cited by Reuters, Tehran has dismissed mediation efforts and signaled it will not consider negotiations until the United States and Israel are “brought to their knees” and accept defeat.
The proposals for a ceasefire or broader de-escalation were conveyed to Tehran by two intermediary countries, the official said on Tuesday, without disclosing further details about the nations involved.
Khamenei, in his first foreign policy session since assuming office, adopted a stance described as “very tough and serious” regarding retaliation against the US and Israel. It remains unclear whether he attended the meeting in person or virtually.
“The proposals for reducing tensions or for a ceasefire were conveyed to Tehran by two intermediary countries,” the senior official told Reuters.
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According to the official, Khamenei responded that it was not “the right time for peace until the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, accept defeat, and pay compensation.”
The supreme leader, who holds ultimate authority in Iran's political system, has not been seen publicly since being appointed by a clerical assembly following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. While some Iranian officials have suggested he sustained minor injuries in the strikes that killed his father, US officials have indicated the injuries may have been more severe.
The conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran has now entered its third week, with at least 2,000 people reported dead and no immediate resolution in sight. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, exacerbating global energy concerns.
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In his first public message since taking office broadcast on state television last week, Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a pressure tactic against what he described as “Iran's enemies.”
Separately, three sources told Reuters on March 14 that US President Donald Trump's administration had rebuffed efforts by allies to initiate diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
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