Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said Iran will move the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz to a “new phase”, signaling a potential shift in how the critical waterway is controlled amid continued tensions.
In a written statement read on state television, Khamenei framed the move as part of Iran’s broader strategy during the fragile truce period.
“We do not seek war”
Khamenei reiterated that Iran is not pursuing a conflict with the United States or Israel, although tensions remain high.
“We didn’t seek war and we don’t want one,” he said.
However, he made it clear that Tehran will not compromise on its national interests:
“But we will not give up our legitimate rights under any circumstances.”
The ‘Resistance front’ is a unified entity
The Iranian leader emphasized solidarity with regional allies, especially during the ongoing fighting in Lebanon.
“Iran does not seek war, but it will not lose its rights and considers all resistance fronts as a single entity,” Khamenei said in a statement.
The remark was widely seen as a reference to Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah, which remain involved in the conflict with Israel.
It calls for public mobilization
Despite declaring a two-week truce with the US, Khamenei urged citizens to remain politically active.
“Your votes in public spaces undoubtedly have an impact on the outcome of the negotiations,” he said.
He added that people should not think that public demonstrations are no longer necessary, stressing the importance of domestic support during the negotiations.
The ceasefire offers a narrow window
The comments come after Iran agreed to a fragile truce with the United States following weeks of escalating conflict and threats from Donald Trump.
The cease-fire opened a potential avenue for negotiations, but remains vulnerable, particularly with unresolved disputes over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.
The nation commemorates 40 days since the death of Ali Khamenei
The statement coincided with commemorations of 40 days since the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war.
Thousands of people gathered in cities including Tehran, Urmia and Gorgan, holding portraits of the late leader and taking part in nationwide commemorations.
State television showed large crowds attending the rally, reflecting continued public mourning and political mobilization.
The killing of Ali Khamenei sparked a wider regional conflict, with Iran retaliating against US interests and launching strikes against Israel. A formal state funeral is yet to take place due to ongoing instability.
As Iran navigates a delicate truce and prepares for potential negotiations, Khamenei’s remarks underscore a dual approach — avoiding direct war and asserting strategic control and regional influence.
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