Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday of an “enemy” effort to trap the country in a dangerous “no war, no peace” deadlock, just weeks after a 12-day war with Israel—backed by the United States—left more than 1,000 dead in Iran and fears of renewed conflict unresolved.
Khamenei delivered the remarks in Tehran during a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet, stressing that such a prolonged state of limbo carried dangers equal to direct confrontation. His comments reflected Tehran’s ongoing anxiety about another outbreak of war despite a fragile ceasefire in place since late June.
Newsweek has reached out to Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
Khamenei’s remarks come as Iran grapples with multiple, overlapping crises on both military and diplomatic fronts. The June war with Israel not only killed several of Iran’s top commanders, but also targeted its nuclear facilities, highlighting the country’s vulnerability.
Beyond the battlefield, Iran faces mounting diplomatic and economic pressures. Nuclear negotiations with world powers remain stalled, leaving sanctions relief out of reach. The so-called E3—Britain, France, and Germany—continue to press Tehran through the U.N. Security Council, with disputes over enrichment and sanctions unresolved, keeping the country in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
What to Know
Khamenei used Sunday’s address to sharpen his warnings about Israel, the U.S., and the risks of regional escalation. Framing the Gaza conflict as part of a broader assault on Muslims, he denounced Israeli “crimes” and accused Washington of enabling them.
“Although these crimes are carried out with the support of a power like the United States but the way to confront this situation is not closed,” he declared.
He urged Islamic countries to intensify Israel’s isolation by cutting all political and economic ties. According to Khamenei, the region must use its leverage to deepen Tel Aviv’s vulnerability, portraying Israel as “the most hated government in the world.”