Israel to negotiate with Lebanon, says Netanyahu, as attacks continue; ceasefire holds ahead of Pakistan peace talks; Strait of Hormuz remains closed

Iran will move the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz into a new phase, its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said hours ago in a statement read out on state TV.

“Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights and considers all resistance fronts as a unified entity,” Khamenei added.

Further excerpts of Khamenei’s statement reported by Iran International said: “It should not be assumed that announcing an intention to negotiate with the enemy means there is no need for a presence in the streets.”

“On the contrary, even if, hypothetically, a period of silence on the military battlefield becomes necessary, the duty of all people who can be present in squares, neighbourhoods, and mosques appears heavier than before. Your chants in the streets are effective in shaping the outcome of negotiations.”

with Reuters