Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, released his first statement on Thursday, according to state TV reports.
In a statement read aloud by anchors, and reported by the New York Post, Khamenei 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 [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
“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,” the statement added.
Khamenei went on to threaten to “obtain compensation” from its enemy, and that 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,”
“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency,” Khamenei said.
He further added that “had the honor of seeing” his father’s body “after his martyrdom.”
President Trump said this week that he was “disappointed” over Iran’s decision to name Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader.
