Iran's supreme leader vows ‘new phase’ in Hormuz management, demands war compensation
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of late Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, attends a meeting in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said in a message on Thursday that the management of the Strait of Hormuz will “certainly enter a new phase”, while vowing that Tehran will demand compensation for all war-related damages.
The message, released by his office on the 40th day since the killing of his father, former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described his death as a “heavy and historic blow” for the Iranian nation, and one of the most painful moments in its recent history.
It portrayed the current phase as a continuation of his path and legacy.
Strait of Hormuz
Khamenei said Iran will move toward a new strategic phase with the Strait of Hormuz.
“The management of the Strait of Hormuz will certainly enter a new phase,” he said, without elaborating.
We will definitely take the management of the Strait of Hormuz to a new phase.
Compensation, accountability
Khamenei stressed that Iran will pursue legal and material accountability for damages.
“We will certainly not leave the criminal aggressors who attacked our country unpunished,” he said.
Read More: Iranians pay tribute to slain supreme leader weeks after killing
He added that Iran will “demand compensation for all damages, as well as the blood of the martyrs and the wounded”.
Negotiations, war stance
The remarks come as Iran prepares to negotiate with the United States in Islamabad, with talks expected to begin Saturday under Pakistan’s mediation and to continue for up to two weeks.
Iran has said the talks aim to finalise details of a potential agreement, emphasising that it does not signify the end of the conflict.
Khamenei also warned that Iran remains ready to respond to any renewed aggression.
We will certainly demand full reparations for all damages caused, as well as blood money for the martyrs and compensation for the war's wounded.
“Our hands are on the trigger,” he said, adding that any mistake by adversaries would be met with a decisive response.
The region has been on alert since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on February 28, killing at least 3,000 people, including the former supreme leader.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, and disrupting global markets and aviation.
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on Thursday, saying Iran presented a “workable” 10-point proposal, while negotiations are expected to determine whether a longer-term agreement can be reached.