Iran’s New Supreme Leader Orders Immediate Ceasefire: Attacks on Israel, Regional Targets to Halt

By Tgnews Reporter

In a dramatic reversal amid escalating regional conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has directed the country’s armed forces, including the regular army (Artesh) and the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), to cease all further missile and drone strikes against Israel and other nations in the Middle East.

The order was announced via the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), state television, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing war that has gripped the region since early 2026.

According to the broadcast, the directive aims to de-escalate hostilities following weeks of intense exchanges that have drawn in multiple actors, including the United States and Israel.

Details on the exact timing or scope of the ceasefire remain limited, but the announcement explicitly covers “all further firing” across multiple fronts.

This development comes shortly after the United States military ordered a cessation of its own offensive operations against Iran, with Israel reportedly agreeing to a temporary pause in strikes.

Mediators from countries including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been actively involved in backchannel talks, though Iran had previously rejected several ceasefire proposals, insisting instead on a permanent end to the conflict with guarantees against future attacks and demands for compensation.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, ascended to the position of Supreme Leader in early March 2026 following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli strikes at the outset of the war.

The younger Khamenei, long a behind-the-scenes figure in the regime, had initially vowed revenge and rejected early de-escalation efforts, describing any pause as premature until Iran’s adversaries were “brought to their knees.”

The sudden order to stand down represents a significant shift in tone. However, no immediate confirmation of compliance from field commanders or reactions from Israeli or U.S. officials has been reported.

IRIB described the decision as coming directly from the Supreme Leader’s office, emphasizing that Iranian forces would remain on high alert for defensive purposes. State media has not elaborated on whether this constitutes a unilateral ceasefire or part of ongoing mediated negotiations.

The announcement is likely to ripple across global markets, where oil prices have fluctuated wildly due to threats to shipping lanes and energy infrastructure. Regional allies and proxy groups aligned with Iran may also face questions about whether they will follow suit.

Further statements from Iranian officials or responses from Washington and Jerusalem are expected in the coming hours.