Iran’s New Supreme Leader Makes First Public Statement Since War Began

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his inaugural public remarks as Iran's supreme leader through a televised statement read by a news anchor. The leader, whose father was killed in an Israeli-U.S. attack, threatened continued retaliation and warned of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his inaugural public remarks regarding the ongoing conflict on Thursday, though he remained off-camera while a television presenter read his statement.

The religious leader provided no details about his health status or current whereabouts during the address. Intelligence reports from Israel suggest he sustained injuries during the initial stages of the war.

Khamenei is believed to be hiding in an undisclosed, heavily protected facility to evade Israeli assassination attempts. His predecessor and father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in a coordinated Israeli-American strike that marked the beginning of hostilities.

Several significant statements emerged from his address:

Regarding regional military installations, he declared: “These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie.”

On strategic military options, he stated: “The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency.”

Describing his father’s death, he shared: “I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom. What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched.”

Promising vengeance, Khamenei declared: “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”

He elaborated on planned retribution: “A limited portion of this retaliation has already taken tangible form, but until it is fully achieved, this file will remain open above other cases. We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children. Therefore, the crime the enemy deliberately committed against the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in Minab, and some similar cases, holds a special status in this process of accountability.”

Concluding his message, he expressed gratitude to Iranian forces: “Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it.”