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3. Mojtaba Khamenei Issues First Message After Becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first message to the Iranian public on Thursday, pledging continued confrontation with Iran’s adversaries while simultaneously signaling openness to improved relations with neighboring countries.

In remarks broadcast by official channels, Khamenei said Iran had foiled attempts to fragment the country and vowed to continue what he described as the nation’s struggle against its enemies. He warned that Tehran would maintain attacks on U.S. military bases in neighboring states as long as hostilities persist.

Despite the combative tone, the new leader also said Iran remains ready to establish “friendly and sincere relations with all neighboring countries,” suggesting a dual-track message combining deterrence and diplomacy.

Strategic Threats and Regional Signals

Khamenei argued that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed, a statement that could have significant implications for global energy markets if translated into policy. The waterway handles a large share of the world’s oil shipments.

He also vowed retaliation for what he called “the crimes committed by the enemy,” demanding compensation and warning that Iran would seize assets if such demands were rejected.

Referring to the killing of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, he declared that “revenge has not yet been completed.”

Support for the “Axis of Resistance”

The new leader thanked allied groups across the region, including Hezbollah, the Houthi Movement, and Iraqi armed factions, describing them collectively as an integral part of Iran’s broader strategic project. “Hezbollah stood by Iran despite the difficulties,” he said. 

He also warned that additional fronts could be activated if the conflict escalates further, claiming Iran had studied potential battlefields where, according to him, its adversaries “lack experience.”

First Appearance Since Appointment

The address marked the first public communication from Mojtaba Khamenei since his selection as Iran’s Supreme Leader four days earlier. Until the broadcast, he had not appeared publicly following the announcement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed earlier that Khamenei had been injured but remains in good condition, describing his health as stable in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Leadership Transition After Strike

Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader on March 9, following the death of his father in U.S.–Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28, according to Iranian authorities.

Israel has warned it would target any successor to the late Iranian leader. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said in a recent interview that the new Iranian leader “will not last long” without Washington’s approval.

His comments signaled continued tensions between Tehran and Washington during a period of heightened regional instability.