The first public message from Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was released on Thursday, emphasizing a strong national defense and a commitment to seeking revenge for the country’s “martyrs.” While state media broadcast the message, the leader did not appear on camera; the statement was read by a presenter on state television.
In the address, Khamenei stated that the Iranian people expect a defense strategy powerful enough to make the enemy regret its actions. “My dear brothers-in-arms! What the Iranian people want is the continued use of an effective defense that makes the enemy regret,” he said.
He also noted that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be employed as a key part of Iran’s strategy.
Khamenei expressed his sympathy for the families who have lost relatives in the conflict, stating that he personally understands their suffering. “I express my deep sympathy to the families of the martyrs,” he said, while also referring to his own personal losses, including his father, wife, sister, niece, and brother-in-law in attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.
He clarified that the revenge they seek is not limited to the “martyrdom of the Great Leader of the Revolution”, but extends to every member of the nation killed by the enemy.
“A limited portion of this revenge for the blood of our martyrs can already be seen. But until we completely take our revenge, this file will remain on top of all the others. We are even more sensitive with regard to the blood of our children and infants,” he said.
He added that the attack on the Shajarah Tayyibah School and other similar incidents would receive special attention as part of Iran’s process of taking revenge.
Khamenei also warned that Iran will extract reparations from the enemy for all damages. “If they refuse, we will seize an equivalent amount of their assets as we see fit. If that is not possible, we will destroy their assets to that same extent,” he said.
U.S. and Israeli forces launched massive strikes on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks on Israel and on U.S. bases and infrastructure across the region.