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Vice President JD Vance departed Friday for high-stakes negotiations with Iran, cautioning Tehran against attempting to manipulate the United States as efforts intensify to bring the ongoing war to a close.

President Donald Trump has assigned Vance—who has often expressed reservations about the conflict—to spearhead the diplomatic push aimed at ending the six-week war and avoiding the realization of Trump’s stark warning about destroying Iran’s “whole civilization.”

Known for his skepticism toward prolonged foreign military involvement, Vance is now leading mediated discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan, as part of a renewed diplomatic effort.

As he boarded Air Force Two en route to Pakistan, Vance struck a cautiously optimistic tone, telling reporters, “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see.”

Referencing Trump’s position, he added, “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand.” At the same time, he issued a warning: “If they’re gonna try and play us, then they’re gonna find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

Vance said the president had provided “pretty clear guidelines” for the talks, though he declined to offer specifics and did not take further questions from reporters traveling with him.

His trip comes at a moment when the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly unstable, with deep disagreements between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance over key terms. Domestically, Vance also faces growing political and economic pressure to help bring the conflict to an end.

Joining him in the negotiations are Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner, both of whom participated in earlier rounds of indirect discussions with Iranian representatives before the war began on February 28. Those talks focused on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs as well as its backing of regional proxy forces.

The White House has offered few details about how the upcoming negotiations will be structured, including whether they will involve direct engagement or continue through intermediaries, and has not outlined clear expectations.

Still, Vance’s presence marks a rare instance of senior U.S. officials engaging directly at a high level with Iranian counterparts, something largely absent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The last comparable contact occurred in 2013, when President Barack Obama spoke by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Tensions over the ceasefire emerged almost immediately after it was announced Tuesday evening, with conflicting interpretations of its scope.

Iran has maintained that halting Israeli military activity in Lebanon was part of the agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump both stated that Lebanon was not included, and Israeli operations there have continued.

At the same time, Washington has insisted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran had shut down in response to intensified Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Trump voiced frustration Thursday over Iran’s handling of shipping traffic, saying the country was “doing a very poor job” and posting online, “That is not the agreement we have!”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions,” adding that Trump remains hopeful a lasting agreement can be reached during the two-week ceasefire.

“President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” Kelly said.

The negotiations represent a significant test for Vance, who until recently played a quieter role within the administration as other senior figures took more visible advisory positions.

However, his responsibilities have expanded rapidly—from tackling domestic issues like government fraud to now taking a leading role in resolving a complex international conflict.

Despite his military service in Iraq as a Marine and his time in the Senate representing Ohio, Vance has relatively limited diplomatic experience.

Addressing speculation earlier in the week that Iran had requested his involvement, Vance dismissed the idea, saying, “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference.”

Analysts say his selection could be strategic. Jonathan Schanzer, a former Treasury official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Vance’s skepticism toward foreign interventions might appeal to Iranian negotiators.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said of the Iranians. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has rejected suggestions that Iran specifically sought Vance’s participation, framing such claims as potentially harmful to the negotiation process.

While officials have confirmed that Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner will attend, Kelly said personnel from the National Security Council, State Department, and Pentagon will also “play a supportive role.”

Earlier rounds of talks drew criticism from Democrats and nuclear policy experts, who questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The administration has not clarified whether nuclear specialists were involved.

Experts note that vice presidents have occasionally been tasked with significant diplomatic missions, but rarely in circumstances involving active wartime negotiations.

Joel Goldstein, a law professor at Saint Louis University who studies the vice presidency, said, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Vance, along with Rubio, is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though neither has publicly committed to a run.

According to a source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is focused on the immediate diplomatic mission rather than any future political considerations.

Still, his visible role in the negotiations could carry long-term implications. As Goldstein noted, “The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him.”

At the same time, he added, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri delivered a sharp critique of Israel’s legal system and political opposition during a radio interview, addressing the ongoing draft crisis and expressing anguish over the arrests of yeshiva students, while insisting that the Olam HaTorah continues to grow despite mounting pressure.

In remarks during the “Central Edition” program on Kol Chai, Deri focused heavily on what he described as a campaign against the Torah world. He pointed to the arrests of bnei yeshiva and financial threats to institutions, but emphasized that these challenges have not weakened the strength of Torah learning. “Olam HaTorah does not live off their kindness,” he said. “They can shut off the funding, they can threaten arrests — Olam HaTorah flourishes. The more they oppress it, the more it grows and expands.”

At the same time, Deri made clear his deep frustration with the current legal and political climate, particularly over images of yeshiva students being detained. “It is a terrible pain to see a picture of a ben Torah, one of the finest of our sons, being arrested because he learned Torah, and for no other reason,” he said. “This is a terrible accusation against Am Yisrael at a time when we need the greatest miracles.” Addressing the proposed draft law, Deri said the coalition is prepared to advance legislation in the summer session, but stressed that the final decision rests with Gedolei Yisrael. “It now depends only on the guidance and decision of Gedolei Yisrael.”

Deri also launched a direct attack on the attorney general and the Supreme Court, criticizing what he described as their conduct and priorities. He pointed specifically to a recent decision to convene on Shabbos. “When you see a court that convenes on Shabbat over what they claim is their own pikuach nefesh, in order to permit a protest against the Home Front Command — who do you rely on? Who do you trust?” He added, “The attorney general will not protect us,” and argued that the legal system is driven by clear political considerations.

When asked about Shas’s continued alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Deri dismissed the idea of alternative political partnerships. “There are not two sides here,” he said. “Do you see yourself partnering with Yair Golan and everything he represents? Can you sit with Bennett when his first step would be to cancel laws for the sake of Judaism?” He said that Israel’s traditional community understands what is at stake. “Anyone who kisses a Sefer Torah with simple faith understands what talmidei chachamim are. They know that all the incitement in the media is political.”

Deri concluded by reaffirming his belief that Torah learning is the foundation of protection for the Jewish people, even in times of war. “Can we, the small ones, stand alone against all these challenges? When the President of the United States stands with you, is it not because of our Torah?” He ended with a note of certainty despite ongoing threats and sanctions. “The Torah will not be forgotten from Am Yisrael. No one can take it away from us.”

A heavy cloud of mourning has descended upon the city of Ashdod following the petirah of Rav Avrohom Altman zt”l, the rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, who was niftar at the age of 94.

In recent days, his condition had weakened, though over Pesach he was still able to daven in his bais medrash as usual. On Thursday, he suddenly collapsed at his home in Ashdod, and despite resuscitation efforts by emergency responders, he was niftar.

The levayah was held at Ateres Tzvi on Rechov HaAdmor MiGur in Ashdod’s District Zayin, and proceeded to Har Hamenuchos in Yerushalayim, where he wa slaid to rest.

Rav Altman zt”l was born in Argentina on the 9th of Shevat 5692 to his father, Reb Chaim Altman zt”l, and his mother, Mrs. Sheindel a”h.

During his youth in Argentina, he learned under Rav Tzvi Zeidel Semiaticky zt”l of Yeshivas Toras Emes in London, who would travel to Argentina as part of his efforts to strengthen Torah learning worldwide.

After going to Eretz Yisroel in the 1970s, he settled in Ashdod, where he established a mesivta for young talmidim. Over time, he founded Yeshivas Ateres Tzvi, initially for bochurim of Sephardic background, and later expanded it to include hundreds of avreichim in a flourishing kollel. The yeshiva was first located in District Aleph before later relocating to District Zayin.

He established the yeshiva in memory of his revered rebbe, Rav Semiaticky zt”l, naming it Ateres Tzvi in his honor.

Today, hundreds of avreichim are shteiging in the yeshiva, and the rosh yeshiva dedicated himself tirelessly to sustaining the kollel, traveling across the globe to secure its support, to which he devoted himself completely.

Over the decades, the yeshiva produced many talmidim who went on to become rabbonim and leaders of kehillos in both Eretz Yisroel and abroad. Even after transitioning into a kollel, the framework retained the structure and spirit of a traditional yeshiva, with the rosh yeshiva continuing to deliver shiurim and shmuessen.

In addition to being a marbitz Torah, Rav Altman was counted among the prominent rabbonim of Ashdod. From time to time, he would publish words of chizuk and hisorerus on matters requiring attention, often joined by other rabbonim of the city.

He is survived by a distinguished family, led by his son, Rav Eliyahu Meir Altman, rosh kollel of Ateres Tzvi in Ashdod.

Tehei nishmaso tzrurah b’tzror hachaim.

{Matzav.com}

Amid ongoing heavy fighting in Lebanon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told commanders in southern Lebanon that Israeli forces remain fully engaged in combat against Hezbollah, emphasizing that despite a ceasefire with Iran, operations on the northern front are continuing at full intensity.

Speaking during a visit near Bint Jbeil, Zamir made clear that the situation on the ground has not changed in terms of active combat. The IDF remains at war in this sector and continues its operations. “The IDF is in a state of war, we are not in a ceasefire, we are continuing to fight here in this sector, this is our main combat front.” He added that while there is a ceasefire with Iran, that could change at any time. “In Iran we are in a ceasefire, and we can also there at any moment return to fighting, and in a very powerful way.”

Zamir said that Israeli forces are continuing to build on their gains in Lebanon, stressing the strategic importance of the current area of operations. He highlighted the significance of the location and the scale of IDF capabilities being deployed. “The place where you are is very important, this is in Lebanon, this is facing Hezbollah. Here we are operating, we are employing many means, many of our capabilities. The achievements of this war so far are historic.”

He also linked the damage inflicted on Iran to Hezbollah’s current weakened position, explaining that Tehran’s setbacks have directly impacted the terror group. He noted that Iran has emerged significantly weakened from the conflict. “Iran before this war is not the same Iran, it is much weaker.” He added that this has left Hezbollah increasingly isolated. “The blow that Iran has taken is a blow that affects Hezbollah, because Hezbollah understands that it is now isolated. It is isolated within Lebanon, it is isolated from its strategic rear, from those who fund it, who supply it with weapons, and therefore this is a very significant achievement.”

Referring to recent Israeli strikes, Zamir said that major blows had been delivered across key Hezbollah strongholds, leaving the organization reeling. “Yesterday we delivered a general staff-level operational blow in Beirut, in the Bekaa, and I tell you, the organization is in deep shock.” He added that Hezbollah operatives have fled from their traditional strongholds. “They left the Dahieh, went to other places, to northern Beirut and to various other neighborhoods, and from there they managed the battle.”

Zamir further described the pressure being applied on Hezbollah forces both along the front lines and deep inside Lebanon. He said Israeli forces are systematically dismantling threats to Israeli communities. “Hezbollah encounters our fighter jets, both at the front and in depth. It encounters our ground forces, we are removing the direct threat from our communities. This is a very significant event, this is a very important achievement.”

He concluded by highlighting the broad deployment of IDF forces across multiple fronts and their mission to protect Israeli communities. He said IDF forces are actively positioned to block enemy threats. “We are in all places, as we are in Gaza, as we are in Syria, also here in Lebanon. We are positioned forward, and we are separating through our forces, our armored vehicles, our soldiers, between the enemy and the communities. This is our role, this is the mission.”

Closing his remarks, Zamir praised the troops and commanders on the ground, commending both their spirit and capabilities. “I think this mission is a very clear mission. A lot of appreciation to the people, simply the best people in the world, with tremendous spirit, and afterwards come also the best capabilities in the world. I think I do not remember in the history of the IDF combined task forces, infantry, armor and engineering with such strong capabilities. So much appreciation, take care of yourselves and meet the missions. Good luck.”

{Matzav.com}

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, holding them responsible for rising and unstable energy costs impacting households across the United Kingdom, and said he has grown increasingly frustrated with how global conflicts are driving oil prices.

“I’m fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy businesses bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world,” Starmer told ITV News on Thursday.

Starmer has repeatedly taken aim at Trump in recent weeks, arguing that the ongoing war with Iran has contributed to global instability and driven up costs for ordinary families, even as critics point out that his own government has taken limited direct action to ease the burden.

During the interview, Starmer reiterated that Britain would not be drawn into the conflict, stressing that UK military infrastructure would not be used for broader offensive operations, particularly those targeting civilians.

“From the get-go, we’ve been monitoring this situation. So I’m pretty clear in my own mind about what we’ve agreed and what the use of the bases are,” he said. “I’ve been saying we are not going to be dragged into this war because I say there must be a lawful basis.”

“That matters if you’re going to commit our service personnel to risk their lives,” he added.

His comments come as King Charles III prepares for an upcoming state visit to the United States later this month, a trip that Trump has welcomed but that is viewed in Britain as placing the monarch in a delicate position amid the growing tensions between the two leaders.

Starmer, who is currently traveling in the Middle East, had already angered Trump earlier this year when he rejected a US request to use a British military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for operations related to the conflict with Iran.

Aside from calling for “de-escalation” and encouraging diplomatic engagement, critics say Starmer has not taken significant steps to reduce tensions, instead focusing on coordination with allies and strengthening long-term economic and security resilience.

His administration has prioritized closer cooperation with European partners and efforts to protect key shipping routes, rather than direct military involvement.

Starmer was not alone among British officials in expressing frustration. Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper also criticized Iran’s proposal to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Countries cannot simply hijack those kinds of international transit routes and unilaterally apply tolls,” she told the BBC. “They cannot do that as part of the laws of the sea and the United Nations arrangements.”

Trump has voiced support for the idea and has even suggested that the United States could take a share of the revenue generated from such tolls.

Before the conflict with Iran escalated, ships were able to pass through the strategically vital strait — a key route for oil and goods moving between the Middle East and Europe — without charge.

Iran has since proposed a fee of $1 per barrel of oil transported through the waterway, a move that could significantly increase costs given that large tankers often carry more than a million barrels per shipment.

Britain is currently leading a coalition of roughly 40 countries working on both military and diplomatic strategies to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though progress has so far been limited.

Cooper emphasized the broader importance of maintaining open maritime routes, telling the BBC that the freedom of navigation is a “principle that applies right across the globe, and it’s crucial for the cost of living back here at home. It’s crucial for the global economy.”

Prosecutors in Yerushalayim have filed an indictment against a 21-year-old resident, Moshe Lechovitz, accusing him of maintaining contact with an Iranian intelligence operative and carrying out assignments on his behalf in exchange for payment. Authorities are also seeking to keep him in custody until the end of legal proceedings.

According to the charges, Lechovitz initially connected with an individual identifying himself as “Michael” while searching for work. What began as what appeared to be a routine conversation developed into an ongoing relationship, during which “Michael” engaged him in discussions about personal matters, religion, and Israel, even expressing an affinity for observant Jews. At one point, he requested a copy of Lechovitz’s identification, which was provided.

Investigators say that “Michael” later instructed Lechovitz to set up a digital wallet using the Trust app to facilitate payments. He was then assigned various photography tasks and directed to install a mobile application that allowed him to record video even when the screen was turned off, effectively turning his phone into what prosecutors described as an “operational device.”

One of the first assignments involved filming the Liberty Bell Park area in Yerushalayim. According to the indictment, Lechovitz went to the location, recorded footage of the grounds, and sent the video to his handler via Telegram. In return, he received approximately $618 in digital currency on May 4, 2025.

He was later asked to carry out a similar assignment in Ra’anana. Despite not holding a valid driver’s license, he reportedly drove to the area, filmed a designated route using the same device, and transmitted the footage to the foreign agent through Telegram. For that task, prosecutors say he was paid about $909. He was also instructed to purchase a can of paint while documenting the action, and that footage was likewise sent.

At a certain stage, prosecutors allege that Lechovitz realized the individual he was working with was affiliated with Iran. Nevertheless, he continued maintaining contact and completing assignments that could assist in gathering intelligence. The activity is said to have continued during Operation “Am KeLavi” in late June 2025. During that time, he was asked what additional locations he could document and suggested on his own the area known as Pardes Morasha near the Morasha Junction. He reportedly borrowed a vehicle, again drove without a license, filmed the site, and sent the material to the Iranian contact.

In total, the indictment states that Lechovitz received approximately $3,276 in digital payments. The relationship reportedly took a turn when the handler told him that, in his view, all Jews should die except for the ultra-Orthodox. Following that exchange, Lechovitz is said to have cut off communication, stopped responding, and handed over the phone he had been using after replacing the SIM card and deleting its contents.

However, the connection did not entirely end. On September 28, 2025, the same individual reportedly reached out again, asking Lechovitz to help locate someone who had allegedly taken $1,000 from him for a motorcycle purchase and then disappeared. Lechovitz responded that he could not assist.

Lechovitz faces charges including contact with a foreign agent, passing information to an enemy, and additional related offenses. The case is part of a growing pattern uncovered in recent months in which Iranian operatives have attempted to recruit Israeli civilians online through personal outreach, encrypted messaging platforms, and payments in digital currencies.

{Matzav.com}

Israel’s Transportation Ministry announced that the country’s skies reopened completely and that standard operations at Ben Gurion Airport resumed beginning Thursday after a ceasefire was reached between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to the ministry, coordination has been underway with the Israel Airports Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to bring the country’s main international gateway back to full capacity. Duty-free stores and all terminal services are also reopening as part of the return to normal activity.

Officials said that international airlines and aviation regulators have been formally notified that Ben Gurion Airport is returning to routine operations. Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran on February 28, most foreign carriers had halted flights to Israel.

Even so, the Israel Airports Authority cautioned that the return of foreign airlines will take place in stages, since each airline must receive clearance from its own regulatory bodies before resuming service.

Additional airports are also preparing to reopen. Herzliya Airport is set to resume operations Thursday morning, while Ramon Airport near Eilat in the south is expected to restart flights on Sunday.

The Transportation Ministry added that a decision regarding the reopening of Haifa Airport will be made later in the week, depending on security assessments, particularly given Israel’s position that the ceasefire with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.

Since the start of the war, Israel’s airspace has been largely closed to international traffic. In early March, limited flight activity resumed at Ben Gurion Airport through Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, Israir, and Air Haifa, mainly to bring Israelis home and assist those seeking to leave the country.

Israir and Arkia said Wednesday that they are preparing to gradually expand operations at Ben Gurion Airport in the wake of the ceasefire.

Both airlines plan to increase flight frequency and passenger capacity on outbound routes, subject to guidelines issued by the Transportation Ministry and aviation authorities.

Arkia said it will begin operating flights to Athens, Larnaca, Rome, Vienna, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bangkok, New York, and Budapest, prioritizing passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by the war. The airline said it expects to fully restore operations by May 3.

Israir said it is preparing to resume flights to destinations including Athens, Larnaca, Budapest, Tbilisi, Batumi, Rome, Berlin, and Rhodes.

El Al announced a significant expansion of its activity, saying it is preparing to return to near-full operations. Beginning next week, from April 12 through April 18, the airline plans to operate at full capacity to approximately 30 destinations.

Those destinations include Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Budapest, Batumi, Tbilisi, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Larnaca, Lisbon, Madrid, Moscow, Milan, Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Zurich, and London in Europe; Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo in the Far East; and New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in North America.

“Due to operational complexity and the reorganization of flight schedules, the return to routine operations cannot happen all at once,” El Al said. “As a result, some flights may still be subject to changes or cancellations in the coming period.”

The airline said passengers whose flights were canceled during the war will be automatically reassigned to the new flights, with details available on its website. After those travelers are accommodated, any remaining seats will be opened to the general public. El Al added that it expects to continue expanding its operations throughout the month until it reaches a full flight schedule.

Reports in Israeli media indicate that Ben Gurion Airport has been preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic as travel resumes.

Foreign airlines are still awaiting final approvals before returning to Israel, and many are expected to take a cautious approach, monitoring whether the current two-week ceasefire develops into a more permanent arrangement.

Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air announced that it is extending its suspension of flights to and from Israel through April 27.

{Matzav.com}

Vice President JD Vance cautioned Iran that it would be unwise to risk the fragile ceasefire with Washington over disagreements tied to Israeli operations in Lebanon, signaling rising tensions over the scope of the truce.

While Pakistan, which helped broker the agreement, indicated that Lebanon was included in the two-week ceasefire, Vance said the United States never accepted that Israel would halt its actions there.

“If Iran wants to let this negotiation fall apart – in a conflict where they were getting hammered – over Lebanon, which has nothing to do with them and which the United States never once said was part of the ceasefire, that’s ultimately their choice,” Vance said as he left Hungary.

“We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice.”

Earlier that day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi circulated a statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the ceasefire and drew attention to the portion referencing Lebanon.

“The Iran-US Ceasefire terms are clear and explicit: the US must choose – ceasefire or continued war via Israel. It cannot have both,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite that, President Donald Trump and officials in his administration have maintained that Lebanon was never part of the agreement.

Vance characterized the disagreement as stemming from confusion rather than deliberate deception.

“There’s a lot of bad faith negotiation and a lot of bad faith propaganda going on,” he said. “I think this comes from a legitimate misunderstanding. I think the Iranians thought that the ceasefire included Lebanon, and it just didn’t.”

It remains unclear how such a gap in understanding emerged during sensitive negotiations. U.S. officials have not clarified why Pakistan’s announcement appeared to include Lebanon within the ceasefire framework.

Israel has previously been accused of breaching ceasefire arrangements, including a truce reached with Lebanon in November 2024. Since that time, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have reportedly continued almost daily for more than a year.

On Wednesday, Israel carried out one of its most extensive rounds of airstrikes, launching dozens of attacks that reportedly left at least 254 people dead and more than 1,100 injured.

Even so, Vance indicated that Israel has signaled a willingness to exercise some restraint.

He said the Israelis have committed “to check themselves a little bit in Lebanon, because they want to make sure” that the US-Iran negotiations are successful.

Fighting in Lebanon escalated sharply in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in response to prior Israeli strikes and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah has since faced growing criticism within Lebanon, with opponents accusing the group of pulling the country into conflict as part of its alignment with Iran.

At the same time, Iranian officials have made clear they intend to continue backing Hezbollah.

On Wednesday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that hostilities could resume if Israel does not halt its actions in Lebanon.

“If the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not stopped immediately, we will do our duty and give a regretful response to the evil aggressors in the region,” it said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of posts on X on Thursday marking forty days since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, describing the event as the “martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He began his message with a verse from the Quran, writing, “Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear victory (Quran 48:1),” and went on to describe the past forty days as following a “dreadful crime” carried out by “enemies of Islam & Iran.”

Khamenei claimed that, in contrast to historical precedents, supporters of his father did not falter but instead “rose up to confront falsehood” and held firm. He added that during this period, followers have behaved “like balls of fire on the heads of the Pharaohs.”

Referring to what he called the “Third Sacred Defense,” Khamenei asserted that “the heroic nation of Iran” is “the definite victor in this battlefield.”

Turning to Iran’s neighbors in the region, he said they were “witnessing a miracle” and urged them to “stand on the right side” by rejecting what he described as “false promises of the devils,” an apparent reference to Israel and the United States. He also stated that Iran is waiting for “an appropriate response” from those countries and suggested that future relations would hinge on their willingness to “renounce the Arrogant Powers.”

Khamenei further warned that Iran would not allow “criminal aggressors” to avoid consequences, saying the country would seek “full reparations for all damages caused,” along with compensation for those killed and injured.

He reiterated Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the country intends to move its management “to a new phase,” while emphasizing that Iran does not seek conflict but will not “relinquish” what he described as its rightful claims.

In closing, Khamenei said Iran would continue pursuing what he called justice for the deaths of his father and others, adding that the country remains committed to the path of the “Resistance Front” and to standing “against the Front of Disbelief and Arrogance.”

However, the posts appear to conflict with multiple reports citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence, which claim that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in Qom, about 87 miles south of Tehran, and in a serious “semi-comatose” or “critical condition” that leaves him unable to make decisions. He has not been seen in public, and some reports have suggested that videos circulating online may be generated using artificial intelligence, with indications that the IRGC is effectively controlling the country.