Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran will "demand full reparations for all damages caused" in the war with the U.S. and Israel, as well as "blood money for the martyr's and compensation for the war's wounded."
In a statement marking the 40th day since the beginning of the war and the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, the new supreme leader called the war "the epic Third Sacred Defense," claiming that the Iranian people are "the definite victors in this battlefield."
Khamenei went on to send a message to Gulf countries, saying there won't be gestures of "brotherhood and goodwill" unless "you renounce the Arrogant Powers, who miss no opportunity to humiliate and exploit you."
"All must know that, by Almighty God's will, we definitely won't allow the criminal aggressors who attacked our country to go unpunished. We will certainly demand full reparations for all damages caused, as well as blood money for the martyrs and compensation for the war's wounded," Khamenei said.
The remarks come ahead of negotiations between Tehran and Washington in Pakistan to stop hostilities. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the talks, saying Iranian leaders "talk much differently when you're at a meeting than they do to the press."
Speaking to NBC News, Trump said leaders in private are "much more reasonable" and are "agreeing to all the things that they have to agree to."
"Remember, they've been conquered. They have no military," Trump added, later warning that "if they don't make a deal, it's going to be very painful."
Trump also said he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuto "low-key" attacks in Lebanon as Tehran warns it won't engage in negotiations if Israel continues attacking Hezbollah in the country.
Israel did announce that it opened direct negotiations with Lebanon, but appears to refuse halting its attacks.
A Lebanese official told AFP that the country wants a ceasefire before engaging in talks, while an Israeli one claimed they will be conducted while hostilities continue.
