9 New Developments in US-Iran Relations: Mojtaba Khamenei Emerges - Netanyahu Concedes
A number of developments have occurred in the war between the United States (US) and Iran from Thursday to Friday (10/4/2026). These range from the start of ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad, Pakistan, to Israel’s “surrender” to Lebanon.
Here is a summary from various sources published by CNBC Indonesia:
- Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Emerges
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stated in his latest written message that the Islamic Republic does not want war with the US and Israel. However, the country will protect its rights as a nation, according to state television.
“We will not relinquish our legitimate rights under any circumstances, and in this regard, we consider the entire resistance front as a single unit,” he added, apparently referring to Lebanon where Israel is at war with Tehran’s ally, Hezbollah.
Khamenei has not yet been seen in public since being appointed to replace his father, who was killed in the initial wave of attacks on 28 February. However, photos of him are frequently shared by Iranian state television media.
- Trump Again Criticises Iran Over the Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump accused Iran of doing a “very bad job” in allowing oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He even said it violates the terms of their two-week ceasefire agreement.
“Iran is doing a very bad job, dishonourable according to some, in allowing oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“That’s not the deal we have!”
- Trump Firmly Rejects Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Fee
Trump also warned Iran not to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, Iran had proposed collecting US$2 million per oil tanker and incorporating it into 10 peace conditions with the US.
“There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz. They had better not do that and, if they are doing it, they had better stop now!” Trump said again on his Truth Social platform.
“Very quickly, you will see oil start to flow, with or without Iran’s help,” Trump stated.
- Israel Orders Evacuation of Beirut
The Israeli military warned residents of south Beirut’s suburbs, long a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, to evacuate. This is in connection with impending attacks, amid US-Iran ceasefire talks that include a Lebanon peace clause.
The announcement came a day after Israel carried out its largest wave of attacks since the war with Hezbollah began on 2 March, killing more than 300 people and injuring over 1,000. The strikes drew global condemnation to Israel for threatening the ceasefire.
- WHO Condemns Israel
The World Health Organization (WHO) urged Israel to cancel the attacks on Lebanon and the evacuation order. WHO stated that the targeted district is home to two hospitals.
- Trump Talks to UK About ‘Practical Plan’ for Strait of Hormuz
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump called for a “practical plan” to reopen shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Iran ceasefire. The two leaders “agreed that now with the ceasefire and agreement to open the Strait, we are at the next stage to find a solution.”
“The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to reopen shipping lanes as soon as possible and agreed to speak again,” Downing Street wrote.
- Israel to Meet Lebanon Next Week
Israel and Lebanon are reported to hold talks next week in Washington. This follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering direct talks, according to a US official on Thursday.
Negotiations will proceed soon after the US and Iran are scheduled to begin talks in Pakistan. Israel had previously stated that its invasion of Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah, is unaffected by the two-week US-Iran ceasefire.
- Netanyahu “Concedes” by Ordering Cabinet to Talk with Lebanon
Netanyahu’s announcement ordering his cabinet to open direct talks with Lebanon came as a surprise. Reports indicate he requested dialogue to disarm the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah and build “peaceful relations” between the two countries.
“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” his office stated.
- Netanyahu Threatens Hezbollah
Nevertheless, Netanyahu had previously said Israel would continue to strike Hezbollah “wherever necessary.” “We continue to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination,” the prime minister said on his personal X account.
Meanwhile, a Hezbollah parliament member reaffirmed the group’s rejection of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. It is unclear whether the talks with Lebanon will involve Hezbollah.
- Tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei
Thousands of Iranians gathered to pay tribute to the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war. Holding portraits of their late leader and waving the Islamic Republic’s flag, Khamenei’s supporters participated in nationwide demonstrations after he died in a US-Israeli attack on 28 February.