Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has refused to accept the US proposal for peace talks, which was conveyed through two mediators. The Times of Israel wrote that a high-ranking representative of the Iranian leadership told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
According to him, Mojtaba Khamenei said, at a meeting of the country’s supreme leadership, that “there will not be a suitable time for peace until the United States and Israel get down on their knees, admit defeat and agree to pay compensation.”
The Reuters source did not specify whether the new Iranian Supreme Leader personally participated in the meeting. Sources had previously reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the American and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, was receiving treatment in Moscow. The Russian authorities refused to comment on this information.
Axios and Dropsite News reported that Iran and the United States have resumed direct contacts. According to Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi sent letters to US presidential envoy Steve Witkoff calling for an end to the war. In turn, Drop Site News, citing Iranian sources, claimed that Witkoff was the one who was trying to make contact. Aragchi wrote on the social media site X that he was not in contact with Witkoff. He added: “Any claims to the contrary appear to be aimed solely at misleading oil traders and the public.”
Reuters sources said on March 14 that the US authorities rejected attempts by Middle Eastern countries to begin negotiations aimed at ending the war. On March 16, US President Donald Trump said that Iran was in contact with the United States, but it was not clear whether the Iranian officials involved were authorized to enter into an agreement. Meanwhile, Trump said that in general he is not against negotiations with Iran.