Iran's supreme leader, parliament speaker discuss war impact, social solidarity: statement

TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei met with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Wednesday to review the latest developments surrounding the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran and discuss ways to bolster national resilience, according to a statement published on the leader's website.

This photo taken on Feb. 20, 2026 shows a city view of Tehran, Iran. (Photo: Xinhua)

The meeting highlighted the necessity to strengthen the country's components of power and the Iranian lawmakers' effective role in maintaining and fostering social solidarity, the statement said.

Discussions also covered the need for continued public engagement, the commitment of the government and parliament to expanding cooperation to resolve the people's economic and livelihood-related problems, and the advancement of affairs related to the country's strategic partners.

Qalibaf presented reports on parliamentary activities since the beginning of the 40-day war and the parliament's current and future plans to address the country's issues, the statement said.

Also on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned in an article published in the Financial Times that any further escalation around the Strait of Hormuz or elsewhere in the West Asia region could seriously endanger civilian lives, regional security and the global economy.

Araghchi said Iran is fully prepared to defend itself, while stressing that the country remains willing to give diplomacy another chance if it sees clear evidence that Washington is genuinely willing to pursue a "fair and dignified" solution aimed at ending the conflict.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.