Tehran hit by consecutive explosions! Iran's Supreme Leader rejects peace proposal: America and Israel must be defeated and pay compensation!

According to senior Iranian officials speaking to Reuters, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, vetoed proposals during a foreign affairs meeting that aimed to “ease tensions or achieve peace” with the United States. The rejected proposals were forwarded to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through intermediaries from both countries.

Senior Iranian officials stated that during the foreign affairs meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that “now is not the time for peace,” and asserted that the U.S. and Israel must be defeated and made to pay reparations.

According to military reports released by Israel, Israeli forces have further increased their presence in southern Lebanon. Israel also announced that it has carried out large-scale airstrikes on Iran and Lebanon over recent days.

Sources reveal that the ongoing conflict has lasted longer than Israel anticipated. Originally, Israel expected the war to last only a few weeks, but it is now heading toward a war of attrition—current Israeli assessments suggest the conflict could continue for about three weeks to a month.

Explosions in Tehran Continue

Analysis: The U.S. Has Realized Rapid Victory Is Unlikely

According to CCTV reporter Li Jiannan, early on March 17, local time, at least four explosions occurred within a couple of kilometers of CCTV’s reporting point in Tehran. Although weather conditions prevented capturing the smoke from the explosions, CCTV footage shows the sound of fighter jets roaring overhead.

Regarding the U.S. “escort plan” for the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian analysts point out that President Trump’s ideas and plans are not based on thorough analysis but are characterized by emotionality and unpredictability—initially, the U.S. aimed for a quick victory over Iran. However, as the war enters its third week, the U.S. has realized that “rapid victory” is unlikely.

Public opinion in Iran generally believes that the country’s defense system remains stable and capable of recovery despite the attacks. Additionally, government services continue to operate, and basic needs of the population are being met. Public discourse emphasizes that, under current circumstances, all sectors of Iranian society must prioritize maintaining national stability and overcoming the crisis.

Iranian Parliament Speaker: Complete Elimination of Threats Against Iran and the Region Is Necessary

On March 17, local time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated in an interview that Iran will no longer accept the cycle of “war—ceasefire—negotiation—war,” and that threats against Iran and the region must be thoroughly eliminated.

Ghalibaf said, “U.S. President Trump must understand that relying on wrongful use of force will not create peace. We do not seek war, but we will resist fiercely and respond decisively.”

He also mentioned that since last year’s “12-Day War,” Iran has improved the design and systems of its missile launchers, making it difficult for enemies to effectively strike them. The current situation has united the Iranian people more than ever.

On March 16, Ghalibaf stated in an interview that a ceasefire is only reasonable if it is based on the premise of no further hostilities. Ceasefire should not merely give enemies the opportunity to resolve their issues—such as repairing radar systems or addressing missile interception shortages—only to launch new attacks on Iran.

Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran will continue fighting and will not accept a ceasefire until the enemy truly regrets and the global and regional political and security conditions are favorable.

He also stated that Iran is prepared for a long-term war, as Iran anticipates being attacked. He believes that no one now believes in the U.S. claims of “destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities.” Iran possesses ample missile and drone reserves, and thanks to autonomous technology, can produce them more efficiently and at a lower cost than the enemy can intercept.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz Is Blocked

Rooted in U.S.-Israeli Military Actions

On the evening of March 16, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke by phone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, discussing the latest regional developments, ongoing U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran, and the situation in Lebanon.

Amir-Abdollahian stated that the military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran severely violate the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. He emphasized that the United Nations and the Secretary-General have a responsibility to clearly and firmly condemn this “aggression” and to hold the “aggressors” accountable under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

He also called on the international community to address the root causes of the deteriorating security situation in the region and the Strait of Hormuz, which he attributes to U.S. and Israeli military actions. He pointed out that the current blockade of Strait shipping is a direct result of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel. He stressed that any country or international organization concerned with regional peace and security should responsibly and uncompromisingly condemn these actions and demand an end to military operations against Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian also condemned Israel’s military strikes on Lebanon and the killing of hundreds of civilians, stating that tolerating and ignoring Israel’s illegal actions in Palestinian occupied territories and other regional countries only fuels expansionism and aggression, further worsening regional and global security.

Over 46,000 Civilian Facilities Attacked in Iran

Massive Damage to Medical and Educational Institutions

According to Xinhua News Agency, Ali Asgari, Vice President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society for International Affairs, stated that since February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, a total of 46,370 civilian facilities have been attacked.

In an interview with Xinhua, Asgari said that among these, 29,146 are residential buildings across various provinces, including nearly 10,000 in Tehran.

He also noted that medical and educational institutions have been targeted. Seventeen Red Crescent centers have been damaged, a rescue helicopter was destroyed in the attacks, and ten Iranian Red Crescent staff members were injured, with one killed. Attacks on educational institutions resulted in 206 deaths and 154 injuries.

Asgari added that the Iranian Red Crescent records evidence daily of violations of international humanitarian law by the U.S. and Israel. “In armed conflicts, civilians such as children, students, and the elderly, as well as targets like homes and schools, should not be attacked.”

He further stated that the organization is ready to accept international humanitarian aid, including medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, especially given the “domestic shortages” caused by the ongoing conflict.

(Source: Daily Economic News)