Iran's supreme leader declares "decisive victory," announces new phase in Strait of Hormuz management

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that the Iranian people have achieved a "decisive victory" in the war against the United States and Israel, and that Iran will move the management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase.

Khamenei made the remarks in a message carried by the Iranian media on the 40th day after the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes at the start of the conflict.

"We have not sought and do not seek war, but we will not give up on our legitimate rights, and to this end, we consider the entire resistance front as a unified whole," he said.

The supreme leader urged Iran's southern neighbors to "stand in the right place," saying that "We are still waiting for an appropriate response from you to show you our brotherhood and goodwill."

He termed the assassination of his predecessor as one of the "biggest crimes" by Iran's "enemies" and one of the most "severe public sorrows" in Iran's history.

Iran's people will demand compensation for every damage in the country caused by the attacks of the "aggressors," he said.

Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf issued a statement regarding the regional situation on Thursday evening, saying that only when the United States no longer violates the ceasefire agreement, will Iran consider negotiations. Otherwise, the conflict will resume, and the Iranian people and the military are prepared for that, he said.

In the statement, Qalibaf emphasized that Iran has achieved an undeniable victory in the war and has elevated the country's position in the regional and global order.

However, this victory is only the first step, and Iran firmly believes that military and diplomatic means cannot be separated and will continue to defend the rights of the Iranian people, striving for ultimate victory through the combination of military and diplomatic struggles, he said.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint military strikes against Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then supreme leader, along with senior military commanders and civilians.

Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East, and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A two-week ceasefire reached between Washington and Tehran took effect on Wednesday, with peace talks between the two sides scheduled to begin later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, was selected as Iran's new supreme leader on March 8.

Iran's supreme leader declares "decisive victory," announces new phase in Strait of Hormuz management

Iran's supreme leader declares "decisive victory," announces new phase in Strait of Hormuz management

Large crowds gathered in Iranian capital of Tehran on Thursday to mark the 40th day since the killing of the country's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with grief and tension shaping the mood in the capital as the traditional mourning period came to its close.

The 40th day of mourning is a significant moment in Iran, traditionally marking the end of a period of national grief.

Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 minutes after the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Iranian state media confirmed his death the following day, and authorities announced 40 days of public mourning.

Ceremonies began early in the day, with people gathering at Jomhouri Square before moving toward the site of the killing. Many carried flags and portraits of Ali khamenei, saying that they came not only to mourn but also to show their loyalty and respect.

"I am here to show respect for our late supreme leader, as it is the 40th day of his death. I appreciate what he has done, and for the love of our country. I am ready to die for my country," said Fateme Zahra, a Tehran resident.

Government officials also joined the ceremonies, saying that the turnout demonstrated unity and support for the new leadership.

"The large crowds here show that they remember their martyred supreme leader, and that they pay homage to the new leadership. They will stand until the end," said Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization.

Despite Khamenei's death, local political analysts believe the political system in Iran remains stable.

"In the Iranian constitution, the leader is the commander-in-chief. So what you see is the result of a system he set up as the commander-in-chief," said Foad Izadi, a political analyst at the University of Tehran.

The commemorations came amid a fragile two-week ceasefire with the United States, leaving the coming weeks critical for Iran's future.

Iran marks Ali Khamenei 40th day amid fragile ceasefire with US