Iran’s supreme leader casts doubt on U.S. peace talks

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vows aggressors ‘won’t go unpunished’ ahead of Saturday negotiations
Iran flag(Pexels)
Published: Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:55 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Days before scheduled direct peace talks between the United States and Iran, the Supreme Leader of Iran is putting in doubt the likelihood of success of those negotiations.

Vice President JD Vance is set to lead the U.S. delegation for talks with Iran Saturday in Pakistan. Representing the Iranian regime will be Iran’s Foreign Minister.

One of the primary objectives, according to President Trump, is making the Strait of Hormuz safe for passage for all cargo ships and oil tankers.

But Iran appears to be emboldened and not ready to end the conflict.

The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, posted on X: “All must know that, by Almighty God’s will, we definitely won’t allow the criminal aggressors who attacked our country to go unpunished.”

On state TV, Khamenei said Iran will not forfeit its rights to the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, Israel said Thursday it will begin direct negotiations with Lebanon, but will also continue military operations against Hezbollah. Some European nations say those attacks undermine efforts to forge a lasting peace.