Iran’s Khamenei Son Vows Fight On: New Message & Stance

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a message Thursday vowing to continue closing the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. bases in the region, while demanding compensation for alleged U.S. attacks. The message, delivered via state TV, has prompted scrutiny as observers seek confirmation of his well-being following a recent attack on his father’s compound.

Khamenei’s First Address

The address was read out on state television rather than delivered live or via video, raising questions among those seeking proof that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and capable of leading. Khamenei stated he would demand compensation from the U.S. for its actions, and threatened the destruction of U.S. assets equivalent to the amount Iran claims it is owed if Washington refuses.

Khamenei, 56, described as a hardliner close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), acknowledged recent internal divisions but praised “the masses of people” who have demonstrated support for the system.

“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,” he said. He expressed confidence that the Iranian people want the country to continue on its current path and affirmed the continued use of “the leverage of blocking the strait of Hormuz.” He also suggested exploring “other fronts where the enemy has little experience and will be severely vulnerable.”

Khamenei praised the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon for their support, despite the Houthis’ limited involvement in the current conflict. He vowed to avenge “the blood of your martyrs,” including the estimated 175 people killed in a missile strike on a primary school in Minab, for which a preliminary U.S. military investigation reportedly found Washington responsible.

Addressing relations with Gulf neighbors, Khamenei stated that the enemy had established military and financial bases in the region over the years. He acknowledged that some of these bases were used in recent attacks, but reiterated that Iran only targeted those bases and maintained its desire for friendly relations with its neighbors. He urged Gulf states to “clarify their stance towards the aggressors” and close the bases, claiming America’s promises of security were false.

Unlike Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Khamenei did not offer an apology for damage inflicted on Gulf states, insisting Iran has no intention of colonization or domination. He suggested that Gulf leaders would strengthen ties with their people and increase their wealth by severing ties with Washington.

Khamenei described learning of his appointment while watching television and admitted the task would be difficult, referencing the loss of family members in the U.S.-Israeli attack, including his wife, sister, and her child. Iranian state media later clarified that his father’s wife, Mansour, had survived the attack despite earlier reports of her death.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a veiled threat against the new supreme leader, defending the joint military assault with the U.S. against Iran. When asked about potential actions against Khamenei and Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, Netanyahu stated he would not issue “life insurance policies” on leaders of terrorist organizations and declined to detail future plans.