Rhianna Benson
The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first statement since the country was attacked with US-Israeli weapons.
His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, previously served as Iran's Supreme Leader, but was killed by a drone attack in the country's capital, Tehran, on the first day the conflict (28 Feb). Mojtaba also lost his mother, wife, and several other family members that day.
Following the initial assault, Iran's stand-up leaders fired ballistic missiles of their own in the direction of American and Israeli troops based in Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
According to Sky News, the newly elected leader was wounded during the airstrikes that killed his father.
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Not yet having been seen in public, Mojtaba, 56, is said to have endured mild injuries, but has continued to work in the country's top position.
Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, previously wrote in a post on Telegram: "I heard news about Mr Mojtaba being injured.
"I asked friends who were in contact. They said, thank God, he is healthy and there is no problem."
Speaking to Iranian state media on Thursday (12 Mar), as cited by the BBC, Mojtaba Khamenei said that the country will not hesitate to 'avenge the blood of Iranians' who have been killed.
His message was read out by a news anchor, and he did not appear on camera.
He reportedly said that it especially applies to the case in Minab, where a strike near an all-girls elementary school killed 168 people, including around 110 children.
Iran claims the school was hit by a US missile; however, America has denied responsibility while it investigates.
In his message, the new Supreme Leader also said that the 'lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz' should still be used by Iran.
He talked about a policy of 'friendship' that Iran has with neighbouring countries; however, he urged them to close their American bases, which he affirmed Iran will continue to target.
As per AP News, Mojtaba said: “These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie."
The leader eerily promised the people of Iran that he would 'destroy the enemy assets to the same extent' that had been done to his nation.
"One point I must emphasize is that, in any case, we will obtain compensation from the enemy. If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent,” he threatened.
The Supreme Leader said: "I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.
“A limited portion of this retaliation has already taken tangible form, but until it is fully achieved, this file will remain open above other cases.
"We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children. Therefore, the crime the enemy deliberately committed against the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in Minab, and some similar cases, holds a special status in this process of accountability.”
He also thanked the 'brave fighters' who have fought for Iran during the conflict.
Mojtaba said: “Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it."
It comes after, following his rise to power, Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, previously described Mojtaba as 'an unequivocal target for elimination'.
Trump also slammed his appointment as 'unacceptable'.
"We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," the Republican leader hit out.
More to follow.