Iran’s Khamenei Says No Desire for War

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said in a written message that the country does not seek war with the United States or Israel but will continue to defend its national rights, according to Iranian state television.

“We did not seek war and we do not want it,” the message said, as read on state TV.

It comes weeks after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, the first day of the conflict.

Despite rejecting war, Khamenei made clear that Iran would not give up what it considers its legitimate rights under any circumstances, adding that Tehran sees the broader “resistance front” as united, in a likely reference to allied groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

“But we will not renounce our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in this respect, we consider the entire resistance front as a whole,” he added.

Demonstrators’ flags of Iran and Lebanon during a protest against US military action in Iran near the White House in Washington, DC, on April 8, 2026. Credit: AFP.

His comments come after Iran’s recent agreement to a fragile two-week ceasefire with the United States, a deal that could pave the way for broader peace talks following threats of escalation from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Khamenei also urged Iranians to remain active in public demonstrations, saying they must “not imagine that taking to the streets is no longer necessary” even during the ceasefire.

“Your voices in public squares are undoubtedly influential in the outcome of the negotiations,” he said, according to the message broadcast on state TV.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since his reported injury in the strike that killed his father, has only issued written statements read on state television.

His current condition has not been independently verified, though Iranian state media says he is recovering.

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Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.