Tehran, Iran — March 12, 2026: Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has delivered his first public statement, calling for national unity while vowing revenge for recent losses.
In a broadcasted address, Mojtaba paid tribute to those killed in the ongoing conflict and acknowledged personal tragedies, including the deaths of his father and wife. He pledged to avenge the martyrs and uphold Iran’s stance against foreign aggression.
The new leader also reaffirmed Iran’s strategic posture, warning that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to adversaries and that attacks on U.S. and allied forces would continue unless foreign troops withdrew from the region.
Khamenei’s remarks come amid heightened tensions with the U.S.-Israeli coalition, as Iran-backed forces step up operations in the Middle East. Officials confirmed the leader survived an earlier airstrike and remains in charge despite reports of injuries.
Analysts say his first statement signals Iran’s intention to sustain military campaigns rather than pursue a quick de-escalation, reflecting a hardline approach rooted in personal loss and nationalistic resolve.