Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khameni, the son of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, has issued his first statement following his appointment, which comes after the death of his predecessor from the U.S. and Israel’s joint kinetic military airstrikes launched on Feb. 28, 2026.
Khamenei’s statement was read by a presenter on Iranian state television, with the Supreme Leader not appearing on camera himself.
According to Israeli intelligence garnered by The Associated Press, Khamenei’s absence is likely due to sustained injury from the “war’s opening salvo.”
"I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," he said, according to The Associated Press. "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."
The Supreme Leader stated that the regime had obstructed efforts by the U.S. and Israel to divide the nation, emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s commitment to continue targeting U.S. bases along neighboring countries. Khamenei urged all U.S. bases in the region to be closed immediately, adding that Iran will continue to use its leverage against its adversaries through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people," Khamenei expressed. "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.”
“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," Khamenei added. "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."
