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 statement under the leadership of Mojtaba Khamenei, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would remain a strategic barrier and that attacks on U.S. installations in the region would continue. The address was delivered through state television, rather than in person or via recorded footage, which has raised questions about the authenticity of the new supreme leader’s presence. Supporters of Khamenei, 56, may find the broadcast sufficient evidence of his vitality, but skeptics remain unconvinced.
Khamenei declared that the United States would be held accountable for its actions, with Iran prepared to destroy American assets equal in value to the damages it claims. This came amid speculation about his health following the deadly strike on his father’s compound during the initial phase of the U.S.-Israel operation. The televised message is expected to be scrutinized for early signs of his leadership style, which has long been associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.
“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 stated, urging factions to set aside differences. The leader also highlighted the Iranian public’s resilience, stating that their defiance had earned admiration from allies and surprise from adversaries.
Khamenei emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Gulf nations, noting that the U.S. had established military and financial footholds in several countries. He claimed that the recent attacks targeted only these bases, with no intent to harm the neighboring states themselves. “From now on, we will inevitably continue this action,” he said, while expressing hope for future cooperation.
He called for Gulf leaders to take a firm stand against U.S. influence, urging them to close American bases in their territories. “By now, they must have realized that America’s claim of establishing security and peace was nothing but a lie,”
he insisted, contrasting his approach with that of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had offered apologies for the damage.
Khamenei acknowledged the challenges of his new role, revealing he learned of his succession through television. He also mourned the loss of several family members in the U.S.-Israel strike, including his father, wife, sister, and child. The body of his father was viewed by Khamenei, though no official date for the funeral has been announced.