Reuters: Iran’s supreme leader rejects ceasefire with US

Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has rejected proposals to ease tensions and call for a ceasefire with the United States that were brokered for Tehran by two countries. According to a senior Iranian official, he maintains a ‘very tough and serious’ stance towards the US and Israel. The source did not specify whether Khamenei personally participated in the foreign policy talks.

According to the official, Khamenei considers the talks premature. ‘It is not the right time for peace until the United States and Israel are forced to accept defeat and pay reparations,’ the unnamed official said.

The war between the US, Israel and Iran has entered its third week and has already claimed at least 2,000 lives. The conflict is also affecting global markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, driving up energy prices and fuelling fears of rising inflation.

Efforts to find a diplomatic solution have so far hit roadblocks. According to Reuters sources, the administration of US President Donald Trump has rejected attempts by Middle Eastern allies to broker negotiations to end the war.

(reuters, lud)