According to Iranian state television, the message was read out by a presenter. In his statement, Mojtaba Khamenei said he learned about the decision of the Assembly of Experts to appoint him through the state broadcaster.
Referring to the ongoing tensions and conflict between Iran and United States as well as Israel, he stated that Iran’s retaliatory actions would continue.
He added that studies have been conducted to open additional fronts against the enemy where it has less experience and may prove significantly weaker. If the wartime situation continues, such actions could be taken while keeping national interests in mind.
In his message, he also thanked Iran’s allies in the region, including Hezbollah, as well as resistance forces in Iraq and Yemen.
Speaking about the damages suffered by the country, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran would demand compensation from its enemies. If such compensation is refused, he warned that Iran would inflict similar damage on the enemy’s assets and destroy them.
He also referred to attacks on U.S. military bases in various countries across the region, stating that Iran had not targeted those countries themselves but only the American bases located within them.
He said such actions could continue if necessary, though Iran still considers friendly relations with neighboring countries to be important.
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It is worth noting that the Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s third Supreme Leader on Monday.
Following the announcement, various institutions of the Islamic Republic—including governmental, judicial, security, and military bodies—welcomed the decision and expressed their support.
The message comes amid ongoing speculation in the media about his health and physical condition. Earlier, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian, told The Guardian that he had heard reports suggesting Mojtaba Khamenei suffered injuries to his legs, hands, and arms and might currently be hospitalized.
In his audio message, the newly appointed Supreme Leader said his position carries many responsibilities and that the Iranian people have demonstrated to the world that they are a great nation. He stressed that leadership holds no value without the support of the people.
He further stated that enemies are targeting the Iranian people, but the nation will remain united and will not give up its right to avenge the blood of the martyrs. He also prayed that God would help him guide the nation.
Khamenei emphasized that U.S. military bases in the Middle East should be shut down, warning that attacks on them would continue if they remain operational. He reiterated that Iran is only targeting military bases and that such actions will inevitably continue.
He concluded by saying that the unity of the Iranian people will defeat the enemy and that Iran will not rest until the blood of its martyrs—particularly the children of the Minab school—is avenged.
