Iran’s Leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has urged the country’s armed forces to maintain peak readiness across all sectors, stating that Iran’s progress has provoked frustration among its adversaries.

Speaking during a meeting with senior military commanders—his first since the start of the new Iranian year 1404—Sayyed Khamenei described the armed forces as a “shield and a shelter” for the nation, calling for enhanced capabilities in both “hardware and software” to meet national defense responsibilities.

Certainty, faith, determination, courage, and trust in God must exist to the fullest extent in the Armed Forces, because ostentatious armies lacking these qualities have been defeated throughout history.

— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) April 13, 2025

“The country's progress has angered and frustrated Iran's ill-wishers,” he said, acknowledging existing challenges, particularly in the economic sphere, which he emphasized “need to be addressed.”

Sayyed Khamenei stressed that the real source of enemy outrage lies in the resilience of the Iranian people.

“Enemies of the Islamic Republic are furious about the advancements made by the nation,” he stressed, adding that “What makes the enemy furious is the determination of an independent Muslim state with identity.”

دشمن از پیشرفت‌های ما کلافه و عصبی است.
خیلی از این جنجال‌هایی که شما می‌شنوید از رسانه‌های دشمنان پخش می‌شود از روی کلافگی است.
چاره‌ای ندارند. چیزهایی را هم ادعا می‌کنند که واقعیت ندارد. آرزوهای خودشان را به شکل خبر مطرح می‌کنند!
در حالی که واقع قضیه غیر از این است بحمدالله. pic.twitter.com/kliLzPpUDV

— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی 🇮🇷 (@Khamenei_fa) April 13, 2025

Furthermore, Sayyed Khamenei emphasized that the Armed Forces must be grounded in unwavering certainty, strong faith, determination, courage, and complete trust in God—stressing that even the most powerful armies throughout history have faced defeat when lacking these core values.

Iran, US to hold next round of indirect talks on Saturday: Araghchi

Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the next round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington is scheduled for next Saturday, following what he described as a "constructive" first round of indirect talks in the Omani capital of Muscat.

Speaking after the conclusion of Saturday’s session, Araghchi said that four exchanges of messages took place between the Iranian and American delegations through Omani intermediaries.

“They said their objective was to reach an agreement, but this requires will,” Araghchi stated, adding that “the American side tried to show its willingness for a fair agreement.” He noted, however, that Tehran would still need to assess the discussions.

Araghchi confirmed that the next meeting would be hosted by Oman, though it might be held in a different location. “The atmosphere of today’s session indicated continuity,” he said, emphasizing that the focus in the upcoming round would shift to the negotiations’ agenda.

Indirect Iran-US talks

Indirect negotiations kicked off in the Omani capital, Muscat, on Saturday evening.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the talks were held at a location designated by the Omani government, with Iranian and American representatives situated in separate rooms.

An Omani source told Reuters that the talks are focused on de-escalating regional tensions, prisoner exchanges, and limited agreements to ease sanctions in exchange for controlling Iran's nuclear program.

During the opening session, Araghchi handed Oman's foreign minister Iran's official positions and reiterated Tehran's intention to reach a "fair and honorable agreement from an equal standing."

He noted that if Washington shared the same intent, the current dialogue could pave the way for a serious negotiation process. However, he stressed that the talks are, from Iran's perspective, limited solely to the nuclear issue.

While no major breakthroughs were announced, both sides agreed to continue talks next week, indicating a mutual interest in maintaining open diplomatic channels. These discussions mark the highest-level engagement between Tehran and Washington since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from the agreement.

The talks unfold against a backdrop of renewed military threats, with US President Donald Trump reportedly warning of possible action should negotiations fail. In response, Iran has hinted it may expel UN nuclear inspectors if pressured, reaffirming its demand for respect and reciprocity.

Read more: Araghchi from Oman supports fair agreement with US from equal standing