Iran launches fresh missile barrage after Mojtaba Khamenei takes charge

Iran says ceasefire talks are 'irrelevant' while military confrontations continue, focus is on 'defending homeland'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) and Speaker Iranian parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Photos: Files

The Iranian foreign minister said on Monday that the country did not want to harm "ordinary Americans" in its ongoing war against the United States and Israel while the parliamentary speaker warned the US of "uncontrollable consequences" in the event of attacks on civilians as the conflict in the Middle East drags on.

In a post on X, Iran’s FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi said: "Iran does not want to harm ordinary Americans who overwhelmingly voted to end involvement in costly foreign wars."

He said the blame for surging gas prices and costlier mortgages in the US "lies squarely with Israel and its dupes in Washington".

Iran does not want to harm ordinary Americans who overwhelmingly voted to end involvement in costly foreign wars.

Blame for surging gas prices, costlier mortgages, and pummeled 401(k)'s lies squarely with Israel and its dupes in Washington. pic.twitter.com/LhKReoa8lZ — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 9, 2026

On the other hand, Speaker of Iranian Parliament Dr Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stern warning to the US.

"Trump officially announced that he is targeting 'groups of people'. This is an official admission by the terrorist government of America. If they make a mistake later, they should not say that these were military targets.

"Killing people and attacking population centers will have uncontrollable consequences; we will respond recklessly and without mercy."

ترامپ رسما اعلام کرد که «گروه‌های مردم» را به عنوان هدف حمله در نظر می‌گیرد. این اعتراف رسمی دولت تروریست آمریکاست بعدا اگر دست ازپا خطا کردند نگویند اینها اهداف نظامی بودند.

کشتار مردم و حمله به مراکز جمعیتی عواقبی غیرقابل مهار خواهد داشت؛ بی‌ملاحظه و بی‌محابا پاسخ خواهیم داد. — محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) March 9, 2026

Azerbaijan’s Aliyev congratulates Iran’s new supreme leader

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to Mojtaba Khamenei congratulating him on his appointment as Iran’s Supreme Leader and offering condolences over the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in United States airstrikes.

In the message, Aliyev expressed support for the Iranian leadership during what he described as a difficult period for the country.

“Once again, I extend my condolences to you on the tragic passing of your father, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei,” he added.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.https://t.co/S4Z8hPgkiq pic.twitter.com/tM9RBOzTsW — Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) March 9, 2026

Aliyev said, “Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran stem from the will of our peoples, who have historically lived in an atmosphere of good-neighbourliness and friendship,” he said.

The Azerbaijani president expressed hope that both countries would continue working to strengthen bilateral relations.

“I hope that together we will make further efforts to develop interstate relations in a spirit of mutual respect and trust, in accordance with the interests of our peoples,” he said.

Aliyev also wished peace, stability and security for the people of Iran.

Earlier, President Masoud Pezeshkian held a telephone conversation with Aliyev to discuss recent regional developments and bilateral cooperation.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.https://t.co/qY71sujdh9 pic.twitter.com/i7uY5sB1PK — Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) March 8, 2026

During the call, Pezeshkian thanked Aliyev for visiting the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan to offer condolences following the death of Ali Khamenei and numerous civilians in recent US attacks.

He also expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Iran.

Pezeshkian said that an airstrike incident in Nakhchivan was not linked to Iran and assured that the matter would be investigated.

No 'room for diplomacy' in sight, Iran can go on with war for long time: Iranian adviser

In an exclusive interview to CNN in Tehran, Foreign Policy Advisor to the office of the Supreme Leader Kamal Kharazi earlier said "I don't see any room for diplomacy a