Iran’s Supreme Leader Issues Statement on War Legacy

The Iranian government released a statement on Monday, purportedly written by Mojtaba Khamenei, the new “supreme leader,” reflecting on the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq war from the 1980s. In this message, he emphasized the role of Iranian women as key supporters of the jihadist “revolution.”

Mojtaba Khamenei has held the title of “supreme leader” since March, after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during an American operation on February 28. Since his appointment, he hasn’t made any public appearances or issued video or audio messages. The government’s secretive approach concerning his condition has sparked widespread speculation about his health, with rumors suggesting he may have been seriously injured or facing accusations of homosexuality.

The Iranian regime has not addressed these rumors or provided any updates on Khamenei’s situation. Instead, he has intermittently released statements expressing gratitude to the Iranian people for their support and promising retaliation against former President Donald Trump. The statement on Monday didn’t significantly differ from past messages, aside from recognizing Iranian women for their alleged backing of the Islamic “revolution.” Khamenei claimed that during the ongoing conflict with the United States, “our compatriots have adorned the public squares and streets throughout the country with their enthusiastic, responsible presence, warming the hearts of those fighting for Islam while striking fear into the enemy.”

He asserted that “over 30 million Iranians have declared their willingness to sacrifice their lives,” claiming that there are numerous declarations of readiness for armed participation, thereby creating an environment for honor among the people while bringing shame to their adversaries.

“There were days when the heroic spirit of the people of this land was recognized through its men. But today, we live in times where women surpass men in several arenas with their courageous presence,” his statement continued.

However, reality paints a different picture. The Iranian populace has frequently demonstrated their discontent with the regime, often risking their lives in the process. Over the past decade, major protests have erupted, only to be met with violent crackdowns. The most recent protests began in December due to soaring inflation, which culminated in a cost of living crisis. Reports suggest that the regime killed over 35,000 individuals in January 2026 to suppress these protests, although officials claimed only around 5,000 deaths occurred, alleging that the protesters were the aggressors.

Women have taken leading roles in many protests, most notably during the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, triggered by the brutal murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. Amini, a Kurdish woman, was detained by the “morality police” for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly and was beaten to death.

In retaliation for the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, Iranian officials have killed many protesters, a significant number of whom were women. In 2024, the regime announced plans to create a “hijab removal treatment clinic” to provide “psychological treatment” for women opposed to the mandatory head covering. Human rights advocates pointed out that Iran has a notorious history of employing psychological torture against political prisoners and dissidents, leading many to believe this clinic would function as a torture center for dissenting women.

Khamenei’s praise for women in his statement is particularly outrageous given the regime’s history of oppressing them. His message was part of a broader reflection on the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, which he portrayed as a consequence of “colonialism” by the U.S., Israel, and Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath Party.

He described the Islamic system as having risen “like a phoenix, more vigorous and stronger than before, and with a more resounding voice and loftier flight” during that conflict.

“I, as a servant of the dear people of Iran, declare that those bygone days to which our enemy longs to return have passed and will never be repeated,” Khamenei asserted. “For the phoenix that arose from the ashes of the First Imposed War has now, under the pressure of enemy hostilities and particularly the two recent Imposed Wars, grown so majestic that the shadow of its flight now extends over the lands of the enemy as well.”

He also took the opportunity to praise the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah while condemning Israel’s current military actions against Hezbollah.

As of now, Khamenei’s current status remains uncertain. He notably did not attend his father’s funeral, which coincided with the 250th birthday of the United States, though his siblings were present. Reports from anonymous sources suggest that the lack of a clear leader has sparked internal power struggles within the military and diplomatic factions of the regime.