Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that retaliation is "the demand of the nation" and insisting that it will inevitably be carried out.
In his first public message since the funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began a week ago, Mojtaba issued a written statement that was broadcast on Iranian state television.
In the statement, he pledged to seek justice for "the blood of the martyred leader" and everyone killed during the recent conflict, suggesting that the response would involve not only Iran but also supporters across the world.
"We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers," the statement said. It further asserted that revenge "must certainly" be carried out, describing it as the collective will of the Iranian people.
"Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission," the statement added.
Mojtaba Yet to Make a Public Appearance
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 during the opening phase of the four-month conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly suffered facial injuries and other wounds in the same strike, became Iran's Supreme Leader on March 8 with the support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Despite assuming the country's highest office, Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since the attack. No photographs, videos, or audio recordings of him have been released, leading to speculation about his health and prompting some Iranians to urge him to appear in public, even if injured.
Ceasefire Under Strain
Mojtaba's statement comes as uncertainty grows over the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States. In recent days, both sides have exchanged fresh attacks, casting doubt on the future of the truce that was intended to end months of hostilities. Although Iran has maintained that the agreement could eventually bring substantial economic benefits, tensions between the two countries remain high.
US President Donald Trump, while stating that the ceasefire was effectively "over," said on Friday that Washington and Tehran had nonetheless agreed to continue diplomatic negotiations.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was laid to rest on Friday at the country's holiest shrine following funeral ceremonies attended by large crowds, according to Iranian state media. His death marks the beginning of a new and uncertain phase in Iran's political and security landscape.
