US Media: Mojtaba Khamenei Rejects Peace Proposal, Demands US-Israel Must Capitulate First

TEHRAN — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly rejected a proposal for war deescalation that was presented to Tehran through intermediary nations. According to a senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, Mojtaba demands that Israel and the United States “capitulate” first.

The source said that Mojtaba has implemented his initial foreign policy since being elected Supreme Leader of Iran and has taken a “very harsh and serious” retaliatory stance towards Israel and the US. The Reuters source, who requested anonymity, stated that two intermediary nations have relayed the proposal to Iran’s Foreign Minister to “reduce tension or establish a ceasefire with the United States”.

However, the source provided no details of the proposal in question. Mojtaba responded to the proposal by stating that now is not “the right time for peace until the United States and Israel are forced to capitulate, accept defeat, and pay compensation”.

Since becoming Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba has not appeared publicly. Several Iranian officials have stated that Mojtaba sustained minor injuries from an attack on 28 February that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.