West Asia War: Iran's Supreme Leader signals ‘new phase’ in Hormuz strategy, vows retaliation but says Iran not seeking war

Summary

In a series of statements, the new Iranian leader said Tehran would seek retribution for attacks on the country, while making it clear that Iran would not back down from what it sees as its rights. At the same time, he maintained that Iran is not looking to escalate into a full-scale war, even as rhetoric around retaliation remains firm. Follow live updates from the West Asia war. "Iran is resolute in taking revenge of its late supreme leader and its 'martyrs.' Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights," he said, according to the news agency. His remarks come days after a tentative ceasefire between the United States-Israel and Iran came into effect, pausing hostilities following weeks of escalation. Also Read | The Hezbollah angle: Will Lebanon strikes derail the ceasefire? US President Donald Trump said Washington would work with Tehran on denuclearisation, sanctions relief and a broader peace framework, while also warning of steep tariffs on any country supplying weapons to Iran. The truce, brokered with mediation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage during a two-week window. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that transit would be allowed in coordination with Iran’s armed forces. However, the ceasefire remains limited in scope as talks over Lebanon continue to be contentious. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Tel Avia will begin direct negotiations with Lebanon following repeated requests from Beirut. Direct talks between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin next week, according to an Axios reporter. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)