Iran's Supreme Leader Insists That US and Israel Must Surrender Before Peace Can Be Achieved

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has emphasized that the United States and Israel must be 'brought to their knees' and acknowledge defeat prior to any potential peace agreement aimed at ceasing the ongoing conflict.

Since being appointed following the assassination of his father on February 28 during coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, the new ayatollah has remained out of the public eye.

As per a senior Iranian official, Khamenei has dismissed overtures for easing tensions or implementing a ceasefire, which had been relayed to Tehran through two intermediary nations.

An official informed Reuters that the ayatollah expressed a strong and serious desire for retribution against the US and Israel during his initial foreign policy discussion, although it was unclear if he physically attended this meeting.

Currently in its third week, the war in Iran has resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,000, with no resolution in sight. Additionally, Gulf nations hosting US military bases, along with Lebanon, are being increasingly embroiled in this conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz has largely been shut, with European allies declining US President Donald Trump's request for assistance in reopening this vital shipping route, adding to soaring energy costs and inflation concerns.

A senior official, who preferred to remain anonymous, conveyed that the supreme leader stated that peace was not an option 'until the United States and Israel are made to accept defeat, apologize, and provide reparations.'

On March 14, three separate sources reported that the Trump administration had dismissed attempts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate diplomatic discussions aimed at resolving the situation in Iran.

Reports also suggest that the 56-year-old supreme leader was transported to Moscow to receive treatment for critical injuries sustained during an airstrike.

A source from Tehran indicated that he has been in a coma at Sina University Hospital and is currently unaware of the ongoing war, the deaths of family members, including his wife and son, as well as his own assumption of the supreme leadership role.