According to the source, during a meeting of the country's top leadership, Khamenei expressed the view that "peace is only possible after the U.S. and Israel are brought to their knees, acknowledge defeat, and agree to pay compensation." It is not specified whether Khamenei was present at the meeting in person.
It was previously reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured by strikes from the U.S. and Israel on February 28, is receiving treatment in Moscow. Russian authorities have declined to comment on this information.
Foreign publications Axios and Drop Site News reported on the resumption of direct contacts between Iran and the U.S., as noted by "Meduza." According to Axios, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent messages to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Whitcoff about halting military actions. At the same time, Drop Site News claimed that Whitcoff attempted to establish contact; however, Araghchi stated on the social network X that he does not maintain communication with Whitcoff, adding that "any such statements are likely aimed at misleading oil traders and the public."
According to Reuters, on March 14, U.S. authorities rejected initiatives from Middle Eastern countries to begin negotiations to end the conflict. On March 16, President Donald Trump stated that Iran had reached out to the U.S., but it is unclear whether the Iranian officials involved in the negotiations have the authority to conclude an agreement.
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On February 28, Israel and the U.S. struck Iran. Trump announced intentions to destroy the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic.In response, Iran began attacking U.S. and Israeli military facilities in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai (UAE), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
As a result of the strike by the U.S.-Israeli coalition, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed.
Trump also stated that the military operation in Iran would last about four weeks. In response to the events, Iran declared jihad against the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing that no negotiations would take place.
The situation in the Middle East has global implications, including an impact on Kyrgyzstan. As a result of the conflict, thousands of tourists are stranded in the UAE. Contact details for embassies and consulates for Kyrgyz citizens abroad can be found here.
