Trending Now - New Supreme Leader of Iran Promises Retribution in Debut Address
WHO:
Mojtaba Khamenei, now elevated to the rank of Ayatollah and referred to as the “exalted leader” of the Islamic Revolution.
An Iranian official stated that Khamenei was injured in the attack that killed his father but is "alive and well."
Mojtaba Khamenei, new Supreme Leader of Iran
Ali Khamenei, former Supreme Leader of Iran, killed on February 28, 2026
Iranian state media
U.S. and Israeli forces
WHAT:
Khamenei's statement included a promise that "the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely continue to be used" as a tool in the ongoing war.
He mentioned that "studies have been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and will be extremely vulnerable."
Khamenei expressed sympathy for Iranians who lost loved ones, stating, "the revenge we intend is not only related to the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy is an independent subject for the revenge case."
Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public statement since his appointment, which was read on Iranian state television.
Khamenei's statement included a demand for reparations from those who attacked Iran.
He expressed gratitude to Iranian armed forces and called for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei stated, "We will receive compensation from the enemy, and if he refuses, we will take as much of his property as we determine."
He referred to the "Resistance Front" and praised various armed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Khamenei mentioned that he had lost family members, including his wife and sister, in the U.S.-Israeli strikes.
WHERE:
Iran
Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route
WHEN:
Khamenei was appointed as Supreme Leader four days prior to March 12, 2026.
Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026.
WHY:
Khamenei justified Iran's missile and drone attacks on Gulf neighbors by stating that "some military bases were used" in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attack.
Khamenei's statement aimed to assert his leadership and continuity of his father's policies.
The statement was a response to the ongoing war and attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.
HOW:
Khamenei's message was disseminated through a new Telegram channel created by his office, accompanied by a photo of him but no audio or video.
Khamenei's message was disseminated through a new Telegram channel created by his office.
The statement was read out on state television without any video or audio of Khamenei.
(UPDATED March 12, 2026 17:52 UTC)
Mojtaba Khamenei has been elevated to the rank of Ayatollah and is now referred to as the “exalted leader” of the Islamic Revolution, following an attack that killed his father, although he has been reported as "alive and well." In a statement shared through a new Telegram channel, Khamenei promised to continue using the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz and mentioned plans to open new fronts against perceived enemies, while expressing sympathy for Iranians who have lost loved ones. He justified Iran's missile and drone attacks on Gulf neighbors by claiming that some military bases were involved in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli assault.
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(UPDATED March 12, 2026 17:22 UTC)
Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, issued his first public statement today, demanding reparations from those who attacked Iran and expressing gratitude to the armed forces. In his message, which was broadcast on state television, Khamenei emphasized the importance of closing the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to claim compensation from what he referred to as the enemy, while also honoring various armed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. He noted the personal losses he suffered due to U.S.-Israeli strikes, including the deaths of his wife and sister, as he seeks to assert his leadership and continue his father's policies in the face of ongoing conflict.