Iran Enters Peace Talks ‘Defiant’ As Mojtaba Khamenei Calls Ceasefire ‘Not End Of War’ | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 10, 2026, 02:23 IST

Mojtaba Khamenei claimed that although Iran did not want a war, he said that it would not give up its rights.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has signalled a strategy of defiance coupled with a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of peace talks between Washington and Tehran scheduled to take place in Islamabad this week.

According to top intelligence sources, Khamenei’s speech just hours before the arrival of the American delegation led by Vice President JD Vance indicated that the current ceasefire is being framed not as an end to conflict, but as a tactical halt.

In a statement broadcast by state media, Khamenei expressed Iran’s unwavering resolve to “take revenge" for the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who fell victim to US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

He claimed that although Iran did not want a war, he said that it would not give up its rights. As per the sources, the Supreme Leader has signalled that the pause is conditional and could be reversed if Iran’s demands are not met.

Through his statement, the Supreme Leader aimed at multiple audiences. For his countrymen, he sought to project resilience and continuity, reinforcing the narrative of victory through resistance while boosting morale among supporters and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

At the same time, he sent a firm signal to the US delegation that Tehran is entering talks on its own terms.

As per the top intelligence sources, the message underlined that Iran retains leverage over key strategic assets, including the Strait of Hormuz, regional proxies and missile capabilities, and could resume hostilities if its conditions—such as sanctions relief, US withdrawal, and regional security guarantees—are not fulfilled.

The development came as delegations from Washington and Tehran are set to converge in Pakistan for talks expected to take place under a fragile and conditional truce. While Islamabad is hosting the discussions, Iranian officials have downplayed Pakistan’s role as a mediator, insisting Tehran is engaging directly and independently.

According to sources, Pakistan has its own stakes in the process, with a strong interest in ensuring uninterrupted oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid domestic fuel shortages. The country is also seen as positioning itself for potential economic opportunities, including reconstruction contracts and transit deals backed by China, in the event of a broader agreement.

Despite the diplomatic engagement, the tone of the messaging suggested that Iran is preparing for a prolonged negotiation process, prioritising long-term strategic gains over any immediate de-escalation.

News world Iran Enters Peace Talks ‘Defiant’ As Mojtaba Khamenei Calls Ceasefire ‘Not End Of War’ | Exclusive

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