Iran’s New Leader Vows Revenge in First Message

Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public message since assuming power on March 8, pledging retaliation for those killed during recent attacks against Iran.

The statement was released as an audio recording through his official Telegram channel, marking his first address to the nation since succeeding his father.

Khamenei declared that “revenge will be taken for every drop of blood that has been shed,” calling on the Iranian public to remain united amid ongoing regional tensions.

In the message, Khamenei said Iranian forces would continue targeting US military bases in the Gulf region, arguing that attacks against Iran had been launched from facilities located in neighboring countries.

He also urged regional governments to shut down American bases, warning that their presence could draw them into further conflict.

Khamenei insisted that Iran seeks friendly relations with its neighbors but would respond decisively to threats originating from foreign military installations.

The Iranian leader also emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining pressure in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.

Khamenei argued that all available means should be used to keep the strait closed if necessary and said additional fronts could be opened if the war continues.

He told Iranian fighters that preparations were underway to expand the conflict to areas where Iran’s adversaries may be vulnerable.

Khamenei also spoke about the death of his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who he said was killed while reading the Quran during the recent strikes.

He vowed that Iran would not abandon its pursuit of justice for all victims of the attacks, including civilians killed during incidents such as the strike on a school in Minab.

Khamenei said Iran would seek compensation from its enemies and warned that if such demands were rejected, Tehran could seize or destroy assets in response.