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, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The declaration, delivered via state television, reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz and persist in strikes against US military installations in the region. However, the message’s lack of direct video or live appearance has left some questioning whether Khamenei is truly alive, as his father’s compound was attacked on the opening day of the US-Israeli campaign.

Khamenei’s address emphasized the need for the United States to compensate Iran for its attacks, with a threat to destroy American assets equal to the claimed damages if Washington refused. His words, however, were scrutinized for their ability to confirm his vitality and the direction of his leadership. The 56-year-old leader, described as a staunch hardliner aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, made minimal mention of internal political fractures within Iran, instead lauding “the masses of people who gathered in splendid assemblies to reaffirm their loyalty to the system.”

“There must be no harm to the unity of the nation among its individuals and groups, especially when hardship tests their resolve,” he stated, urging the public to set aside differences. “Disagreements should not disrupt the collective strength of our people.”

Khamenei also highlighted the Iranian populace’s resilience against foreign aggression, declaring their actions had earned admiration from allies and surprise from adversaries. He reiterated that the nation would remain committed to its current course, stressing the importance of “blocking the strait of Hormuz” as a strategic necessity. “Studies have explored new fronts where the enemy is inexperienced and lacks the capacity to defend itself effectively,” he added, signaling potential future operations.

The leader acknowledged the support of regional allies, praising the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon for their assistance. Despite the Houthis’ absence from the recent conflict, Khamenei expressed gratitude for their solidarity. He vowed to avenge the “blood of your martyrs,” referencing the estimated 175 casualties from a missile strike on a Minab elementary school. A US military inquiry has reportedly concluded that Washington was responsible for the attack.

Turning to Iran’s Gulf neighbors, Khamenei criticized their growing reliance on American bases, which he claimed were used in the recent assault. “The enemy has slowly built military and financial footholds in these nations to dominate the region,” he said, asserting that Iran’s actions were defensive. “We will continue this strategy, though we still value our relationships with these states.” He urged Gulf leaders to “clarify their position on the aggressors of our homeland” and to “close those bases promptly,” as he believed the US had “fabricated security and peace.”

Unlike President Masoud Pezeshkian, who had expressed regret for damage to Gulf states in a previous statement, Khamenei insisted Tehran’s actions were aimed at resistance, not domination. He suggested that severing ties with Washington would allow Gulf nations to “strengthen bonds with their people” and “enhance their wealth.” Khamenei also revealed that he had viewed his father’s body, though no funeral date has been announced. He reflected on the personal toll of the US-Israeli attack, listing his father, wife, sister, and child among the “caravan of martyrs.”