Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei: Tehran does not want war, but will protect its rights

(Patria) - Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in his latest written message that Tehran does not want war with the United States and Israel, but will protect its rights as a nation, state television reported on Thursday, Al Arabiya reported.

"We did not seek war and do not want it," he said in a message read on state television, which coincides with forty days since the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, the first day of the war.

"But we will not give up our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in that regard we consider the entire resistance front as a whole," he added, apparently alluding to Lebanon.

Tehran this week agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire with the US that could lead to peace negotiations, following threats by US President Donald Trump to destroy Iran.

Khamenei told Iranians that "they must not imagine that taking to the streets is no longer necessary" despite the announcement of a ceasefire.

"Your voices in public places will undoubtedly influence the outcome of the negotiations," he said.

Khamenei called on Iranians to avoid interaction with media "supported by the enemy."