Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran Delivered 'Dizzying Blow' to Enemy; Trump Says No Ceasefire

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — appointed after his father Ali Khamenei was killed on Day 1 (Feb 28) — issued a written statement declaring Iran had delivered a 'dizzying blow' to the enemy and that the nation had demonstrated its willingness to resist. The statement, broadcast on Iranian state media despite near-total internet blackout, was his most comprehensive public address since assuming the role on March 8. Khamenei framed the conflict in terms of long-term strategic resistance, saying: 'Every martyr's blood fertilizes the roots of resistance. The enemy believed it could break Iran in days. Instead, it has revealed its true face to the world.' Trump responded directly, telling reporters: 'There is no ceasefire as long as Iran refuses to surrender. Anytime I want the war to end it will end — but it will end on our terms.' The exchange underscores the complete absence of a negotiated off-ramp and signals the conflict will continue through at minimum the end of March 2026. Turkey's FM Hakan Fidan separately confirmed Ankara continues to maintain open diplomatic channels to both sides but acknowledged 'the current conditions for a ceasefire do not exist.'