Iran vows to fight on in first message issued in name of Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran vows to fight on in first message issued in name of Mojtaba Khamenei

On Thursday, Iran released its inaugural message under the leadership of Mojtaba Khamenei, its newly appointed supreme leader, stating its intent to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and persist in strikes against US facilities in the region. The missive, broadcast on state television rather than delivered live or in video format, is expected to raise questions among those skeptical about Khamenei’s current vitality, given the recent attack on his father’s compound during the initial phase of the US-Israeli operation.

Expressing his resolve, Khamenei asserted that Iran would seek retribution from the United States for its actions, threatening to dismantle US assets in proportion to the compensation owed. He emphasized the importance of national unity, urging individuals and factions to set aside disputes, particularly in times of crisis. “There must be no harm to the unity of the nation among the individuals and groups of the nation which usually becomes specially evident in times of hardship,” he declared, calling for a collective front against external threats.

“The enemy has gradually established bases, both military and financial, in some of these countries over the years to secure its dominance over the region,” Khamenei stated. “In the recent attack, some military bases were used, and naturally, as we had explicitly warned and without any aggression towards those countries, we only targeted those bases.”

Addressing relations with Iran’s Gulf neighbors, the leader reiterated that Tehran’s actions were defensive, aimed at countering US influence. He urged Gulf states to clarify their positions on American aggressors and the casualties of Iran’s people, suggesting they close US bases to safeguard their own interests. “I recommend that they close those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realised that America’s claim of establishing security and peace was nothing but a lie,” he added.

Khamenei also praised the Iranian populace for their steadfast support of the regime, highlighting their resilience against foreign adversaries. He acknowledged the efforts of the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite the Houthis’ absence from the current conflict. The leader vowed to avenge the “blood of your martyrs,” including the 175 victims of a missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, which a preliminary US military report attributed to Washington.

In a personal touch, Khamenei revealed that he learned of his appointment through television broadcasts, acknowledging the challenge of assuming such a pivotal role. He also recounted the loss of his wife, sister, and child in the US-Israeli assault, describing them as part of the “caravan of martyrs.” The leader noted that he had visited his father’s body, though no date for the funeral has been announced.