Key quotes from Iran’s supreme leader’s first public statement

Iran’s New Supreme Leader Issues First War Statement While Remaining Out of Public View

Iran’s new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei broke his silence Thursday with his first public statement since assuming power, though he did not appear personally. Instead, a news anchor read his remarks on Iranian state television, fueling speculation about his condition and whereabouts.

Khamenei, who succeeded his father after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint Israeli-American strike at the outbreak of the current conflict, is believed to be in hiding. According to Israeli intelligence assessments, the younger Khamenei was wounded during the war’s initial attacks and has retreated to a secure, undisclosed location to avoid potential assassination attempts.

In his statement, the new supreme leader issued stern warnings to regional countries hosting American military bases, suggesting they could become targets in the expanding conflict. “These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people,” Khamenei declared. “I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie.”

The speech contained multiple threats about expanding the conflict beyond its current boundaries. Khamenei specifically mentioned continuing to leverage the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments pass. Any significant disruption to this waterway could send shockwaves through international energy markets and global supply chains.

“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well,” Khamenei stated. “Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency.”

In a deeply personal moment, Khamenei addressed his father’s death, providing a rare glimpse into the aftermath of the strike that killed the former supreme leader. “I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom,” he said. “What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched.”

The new leader made it abundantly clear that retaliation for his father’s death and other Iranian casualties remains a top priority, suggesting that actions taken thus far represent only a fraction of Iran’s planned response. “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” he vowed. “The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”

Khamenei specifically mentioned an attack on a school in Minab, emphasizing that civilian casualties, particularly children, would receive special attention in Iran’s response. “We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children,” he declared.

The statement also praised Iranian military forces for their efforts in the ongoing conflict. “Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it.”

Regional security experts view this first public communication as significant, coming at a critical moment in the escalating Middle East conflict. The threats to expand the war to new fronts and potentially disrupt global shipping routes represent a concerning development for international stakeholders already working to contain the violence.

As tensions continue to rise, global powers are closely monitoring Iran’s next moves, particularly regarding Khamenei’s explicit threats of further retaliation and expansion of the conflict to new fronts.