Date: April 9, 2026 l Reporter: Musa
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that the management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will enter a “new phase,” while emphasizing that the country does not seek war with the United States or Israel despite escalating regional tensions.
In a written message broadcast on state television, Khamenei stated that Iran had no intention of initiating conflict but would not relinquish what he described as its legitimate national rights under any circumstances.
“We did not seek war and we do not want it,” he said, while adding that Iran would continue to defend its interests and consider allied groups across the region as part of a broader “resistance front.
The message coincided with commemorations marking 40 days since the death of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the onset of the current conflict on February 28.
Khamenei also confirmed that Iran plans to shift its approach to managing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for global oil shipments. The waterway has become a central flashpoint in the ongoing crisis, with disruptions raising concerns over global energy supplies and international trade.
The statement comes shortly after Iran agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire with the United States, a development that has opened a narrow window for potential negotiations after weeks of escalating hostilities and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite the ceasefire, Khamenei urged citizens to remain actively engaged, stressing that public demonstrations and national unity could influence the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts. He noted that public voices “are undoubtedly influential” in shaping the direction of negotiations.
The evolving situation underscores the delicate balance between de-escalation and continued geopolitical tension in the Middle East. While Iran signals openness to avoiding war, its firm stance on maintaining control over strategic assets like the Strait of Hormuz suggests that significant challenges remain in reaching a lasting resolution.