Iran’s New Supreme Leader Pledges Full Vengeance for US-Israel Strikes

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to pursue full retribution for the recent US and Israeli military strikes that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and others. The statement was read on state media Thursday.

Khamenei said a portion of the planned retaliation has already been carried out but insisted that efforts will continue until complete vengeance is achieved. “We will seek compensation from the enemy, and if they refuse, we will take as much of their property as we determine, and if that is not possible, we will destroy the same amount of their property,” the statement read.

The Supreme Leader called for the closure of US bases across the Middle East and criticized Washington’s claim of establishing peace in the region. He also highlighted the strategic importance of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Iran has already responded to the February 28 strikes with drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli and US interests, while effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Health reported that over 1,200 people have died and more than 10,000 civilians were injured in the conflict so far.

Khamenei expressed gratitude to Iran’s regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and armed groups in Iraq, describing them as part of the “Resistance Front” and aligned with the values of the Islamic Revolution.

Following the statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed additional strikes on Israeli and US positions across the region in tribute to Khamenei and his family.

The 56-year-old leader has not made a public appearance since assuming office, and reports indicate he was wounded during the ongoing conflict.