Mojtaba Khamenei’s First Address as Supreme Leader

On his fourth day in office, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his initial official message, emphasizing the need for unity among Iranians while declaring intentions to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed as a method of exerting pressure.

The address was broadcast on Iranian state television, featuring a newscaster reading his lengthy statement accompanied by footage of Khamenei. However, the message did little to dispel growing international concerns, including reports that he remains in a coma and rumors of potential amputations following recent airstrikes from the U.S. and Israel.

In his speech, Khamenei reflected on his late father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, expressing the challenges he faces stepping into such significant shoes. He mentioned that witnessing his father’s remains inspired him to uphold his legacy.

“I had the opportunity to visit the [former Supreme Leader’s] remains. What I saw was a mountain of force, and I heard that his healthy hand was clenched into a fist,” he stated.

“I assure you that we will not hold back from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retribution we have in mind is not limited to the martyrdom of great leaders of the revolution but extends to every nation martyred by the enemy as a separate incident in the file of revenge,” he emphasized.

Khamenei also mentioned a tragic incident where an attack on Shajare Tayebeh Primary School in Minab resulted in the deaths of around 170 girls. He pointed fingers at the United States and Israel, asserting that Iran would seek compensation from its “enemies.”

Mojtaba continued, “If they refuse, we will take away their assets to the extent we deem appropriate. If that is not possible, we will destroy them to the same extent.”

Reportedly, Pentagon investigators now believe the school’s attack was based on outdated intelligence. The building had previously been part of a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) base but had functioned as a school for the last eight years. Allegedly, U.S. Central Command utilized coordinates that still labeled the site as a critical military installation.

This revelation came after President Trump initially denied U.S. involvement. He later appeared to contradict himself by suggesting that Iran might have acquired a Tomahawk missile and used it against the U.S. He also indicated willingness to accept a report that finds the U.S. culpable, regardless of the outcome.

In addition to referencing the school’s tragedy, Mojtaba reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to global trade, emphasizing its significance as a crucial oil route with about 20 to 25 percent of the world’s offshore oil passing through it daily.

“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used. Studies are also being carried out to open up other fronts where the enemy has little experience and is very vulnerable. If the war situation continues, it will be used with expediency in mind,” Khamenei stated.

Meanwhile, news of his speech came as reports surfaced that Khamenei was receiving intensive medical care at Tehran’s Sina University Hospital after the recent airstrike. Sources claimed that one or two of his legs had been amputated and that he was in a coma, as he has not been seen publicly since taking on his new role.