Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public message since assuming the position, warning of retaliation following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
The message was broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, where a presenter read the statement attributed to Khamenei. The statement marks the first official communication from the new leader after the recent escalation in tensions in Iran.
Message Following Deadly Attacks
In the message, Khamenei condemned the United States and Israel over the attacks carried out inside Iran on February 28. According to Iranian state media and officials, the strikes killed Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior Iranian officials.
Khamenei said Iran would respond to the attacks and emphasized that the country would pursue retaliation. Iranian authorities also reported heavy civilian casualties. A reported airstrike on a school in Minab in southern Iran killed more than 175 students, according to Iranian officials.
Strait of Hormuz Strategy
Khamenei also addressed Iran’s strategy regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies pass through the narrow waterway.
Iran has imposed restrictions in the area following the attacks and has targeted oil tankers passing through the route. In the message, Khamenei instructed Iran’s armed forces to continue implementing plans aimed at closing or restricting the strait.
The tensions in the Persian Gulf have contributed to rising oil prices in global markets. Several countries, including the United States, have released oil from strategic reserves in an effort to stabilize prices. However, analysts say the measures have not yet brought significant relief to the global energy market.
Regional Warning and Strategic Outlook
Khamenei also warned countries in the Middle East that host American military bases, urging them to shut down facilities used by U.S. forces. He also suggested that Iran could open additional fronts in the conflict if necessary.
Iran has long supported allied groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and armed factions in Iraq. Since the conflict escalated, Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon have reportedly launched attacks on Israel.
Iranian security analyst Hamidreza Azizi said the tone of Khamenei’s message suggests a more direct and assertive military strategy compared with that of his father. According to him, the message may indicate that Iran’s policy direction could become more aggressive in the coming period.
Although the message was released publicly, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since becoming Supreme Leader. Iranian officials say his location remains undisclosed due to security concerns following the recent attacks. Reports have also suggested that he may have been injured during the initial strikes, though this has not been independently confirmed.
