Iran's Supreme Leader Mojataba Ali Khamenei stated on Thursday that the country is preparing for a 'new phase' in its management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Despite a temporary ceasefire with the United States and Israel, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would seek retribution for any attacks while clarifying that it does not intend to escalate into full-scale war. His remarks come after a truce brokered by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which aims to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for a two-week period. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that transit would be coordinated with Iran’s armed forces. However, the ceasefire remains fragile as tensions over Lebanon persist, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that direct negotiations with Lebanon will commence next week.