Mojtaba Khamenei Emphasizes Iran Does Not Want War

JAKARTA - Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in his latest written message stated that Tehran does not want a war with the United States and Israel, but will defend its rights as a nation, state-run television reported on Thursday.

"We are not looking for war and we don't want it," he said in a message read on state television, coinciding with 40 days since his father, late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, launched Al Arabiya and AFP (10/4).

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among the high-ranking Iranian officials killed on the first day of the US and Israeli attacks on the Land of the Mullahs on February 28.

"However, we will not give up our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in this case, we regard the entire resistance front as a single unit," he added, apparently referring to Lebanon where Israel is at war with Tehran's ally, Hezbollah.

Iran this week agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire with the United States that could lead to peace negotiations after a threat of annihilation from US President Donald Trump.

Mojtaba Khamenei told Iranians they "should not think that going to the streets is no longer necessary" even though a ceasefire has been announced.

"Your voices in public squares undoubtedly have an impact on the outcome of negotiations," he said, according to a message broadcast on state TV.

Mojtaba Khamenei also urged Iranians to avoid interacting with the media that is "supported by the enemy."