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 delivered its inaugural statement under the leadership of Mojtaba Khamenei, its newly appointed supreme leader. The declaration emphasized Iran’s resolve to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and sustain strikes against American military installations in the region. However, the message was broadcast on state television rather than delivered live or in video form, leaving some observers skeptical about whether the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is truly alive and active.
Khamenei, 56, outlined his stance in the speech, stating that Iran would seek reparation for the damage inflicted by the United States. He warned that if Washington declined to provide compensation, he would direct the elimination of American assets matching the sum Iran claimed as due. The message came amid ongoing speculation about his health following the deadly assault on his father’s compound during the initial phase of the US-Israeli military campaign.
Leadership and Unity
In his address, Khamenei stressed the importance of national cohesion, urging individuals and groups within the country to set aside differences. He praised the people for their steadfast support of the political system, highlighting their resilience against external threats. “The masses have shown unwavering commitment to our cause,” he said, while emphasizing that the nation’s unity should remain unbroken even 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,”
Khamenei also commended the Iranian populace for their defiance, noting that their actions had earned respect from allies and astonishment from adversaries. He reiterated confidence in the public’s desire for continued progress along Iran’s current trajectory, stressing the necessity of maintaining pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. “Strategic studies have identified alternative fronts where the enemy lacks experience and is particularly vulnerable,” he added.
Regional Alliances
Khamenei extended recognition to the Houthi movement in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, acknowledging their assistance despite challenges. He also addressed relations with Iran’s Gulf neighbors, criticizing their growing alignment with Washington. “The enemy has steadily built military and financial footholds in these countries, aiming to consolidate regional control,” he asserted. He clarified that while some bases were used in the recent strikes, they were targeted without aggression toward the nations themselves.
“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,”
The leader called on Gulf states to reassess their partnerships with the US, suggesting they close American facilities to protect their own interests. “By now, they must understand that America’s promise of security and peace was nothing but a facade,” he declared. Unlike President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had expressed regret for the damage caused, Khamenei maintained a firm posture, denying any intent to dominate or colonize the region.
Personal Losses and Legacy
Khamenei revealed that he had visited his father’s remains, though a funeral date has not yet been announced. He described the personal toll of the US-Israeli strike, noting the loss of his wife, sister, and child. “My father’s passing has become a public tragedy, but I have also suffered the loss of my devoted wife, my loyal sister, and my young child,” he shared. The message underscored his determination to carry forward his father’s legacy while asserting his own role in shaping Iran’s future.
