Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has flatly rejected overtures to de-escalate the growing conflict with the United States, signaling that Tehran is preparing for a prolonged and potentially more dangerous phase of confrontation.

According to a senior Iranian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, multiple proposals aimed at reducing tensions — including ceasefire frameworks — were quietly transmitted to Tehran through two intermediary countries. Khamenei, however, dismissed them outright.

In what the official described as his first major foreign policy session since assuming leadership, Khamenei adopted an uncompromising stance, calling explicitly for revenge against both the United States and Israel. His position, the official said, was “very tough and serious,” though it remains unclear whether he attended the session in person or directed it from a secure location.

Khamenei reportedly declared that now is not “the right time for peace,” insisting that any cessation of hostilities would only come after the United States and Israel are “brought to their knees,” forced to accept defeat, and compelled to pay compensation.

The rejection of diplomacy comes as the strategic choke point of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical transit corridors — remains largely closed. Despite pressure from Washington, U.S. allies have so far declined a request from President Donald Trump to participate in efforts to reopen the vital waterway, underscoring growing hesitation among international partners to become directly entangled in the conflict.

The continued disruption has already begun rippling through global markets. Energy prices have climbed sharply in recent days, fueling mounting concerns about inflation and the broader stability of the global economy.

Compounding the diplomatic deadlock, three sources told Reuters on March 14 that the Trump administration itself had rebuffed separate attempts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate negotiations aimed at ending the war — a sign that both sides may be digging in rather than seeking an exit ramp.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)