Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Revenge Over Father’s Killing

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to avenge the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that those responsible would face retaliation.

In his first public message since funeral ceremonies for the late supreme leader began a week ago, Mojtaba Khamenei said revenge for his father’s death “must certainly” be carried out, adding that the mission would involve not only Iran but also “free people around the world.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 at the start of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.

“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” the statement read.

It added: “Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfil a part of this divine mission.”

Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since he assumed office as supreme leader on March 8. Senior sources have claimed he sustained facial injuries and other wounds during the airstrike that killed his father.

His continued absence has fuelled speculation within Iran, with some citizens calling on the country’s new leader to make a public appearance despite reports of his injuries.

The statement comes amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States, raising concerns over the durability of a ceasefire reached after four months of fighting.

Despite the recent escalation, US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue diplomatic talks.

Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father with the backing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, ending the latter’s 37-year leadership of the Islamic Republic.