Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge for father killed by US and Israel

 Iran's Supreme Leader has said the regime is determined to avenge the death of his slain father.

A statement read out on Iranian State TV, claiming to be from Mojtaba Khamenei, also said: "Iran ‌is ‌not seeking war but will not ‌forfeit its rights and considers ⁠all ⁠resistance fronts as a unified entity."

The statement urged Iranians to avoid engaging with media outlets “supported by the enemy”. Iran will also move the management of the Strait of Hormuz ‌into ‌a new ‌phase, it added.

It said: “Iran will seek retribution for attacks on it, will take management of Strait of Hormuz into a new phase. Iran is resolute in taking revenge of its late Supreme Leader and its ‘martyrs’." Mojtaba's father Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.

It comes as the tentative US-Iran ceasefire is faltering as Israel pounds Lebanon and Iran maintains its grip on the Strait of Hormuz while truce talks remain uncertain.

Both Tehran and Washington are claiming victory and exerting pressure. Talks on a permanent deal could begin soon in Islamabad, with Vice President JD Vance set to lead the US delegation.

Israeli strikes made Wednesday the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, with more than 300 people killed according to the Health Ministry.

There are lingering disagreements over whether the ceasefire covers the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Iran is warning of "STRONG responses" if attacks on its militant ally don't stop.

Israel-Lebanon negotiations are expected next week in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had approved direct talks.

Although the Strait of Hormuz is closed, there were no reports of strikes inside Iran or attacks against Israel or neighboring Gulf Arab nations today, leaving Lebanon as the only country where the conflict is still burning.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said his country will keep striking Hezbollah until security is restored in northern Israel. He confirmed he is opening direct negotiations with Lebanon, the aim of which are Hezbollah's disarmament and a sustainable peace agreement.