Iran’s Supreme Leader Speaks On Ayatollah Khamenei’s Killing, Vows Retaliation ‘Must Certainly’ Come
Adedokun Waliyu
2 min read
In his first public message since funeral ceremonies for the late supreme leader began a week ago, Mojtaba Khamenei said avenging the deaths of his father and others killed during the conflict was a national obligation.
Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has declared that revenge for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains inevitable, warning that those responsible would be held accountable with the support of “free people around the world.”
In his first public message since funeral ceremonies for the late supreme leader began a week ago, Mojtaba Khamenei said avenging the deaths of his father and others killed during the conflict was a national obligation.
The written statement, broadcast by Iranian state television on Saturday, described retaliation as “the demand of the nation” and insisted that it “must certainly” be carried out.
“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” the new supreme leader said, according to Reuters.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike at the start of the four-month conflict between Iran and its adversaries.
The new supreme leader also suggested that any future retaliation would not depend solely on Iran.
“Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission,” the statement said.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since he was appointed supreme leader on March 8.
According to senior Iranian sources, he sustained facial disfigurement and other injuries during the airstrike that killed his father.
His prolonged absence has fuelled speculation inside Iran, with many citizens reportedly demanding a public appearance to reassure the nation, regardless of the extent of his injuries.
The leadership transition came with the backing of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards, who reportedly played a key role in his emergence as the country’s highest authority.
The latest threat comes as tensions remain high despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States, intended to end months of hostilities between Tehran and Washington.
Recent exchanges of attacks involving U.S. and Iranian forces have raised questions over the durability of the truce, even as Iranian officials continue to insist that the agreement will deliver significant economic gains for the country.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire effectively over, he said on Friday that Washington and Tehran had nevertheless agreed to continue diplomatic negotiations.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 37 years, was laid to rest at the country’s holiest shrine on Friday after massive crowds turned out for his funeral, according to Iranian state media.
