Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz to pressure its enemies, according to the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Jamenei, in his first public message. He also vowed to “avenge the blood” of Iranians killed in attacks by the United States, and Israel.
New Leadership, Familiar Threats
The message, the first since the new leader was chosen on March 8th to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Jamenei, was read by a presenter on Iranian television and translated by the BBC Persian Service. Jamenei asserted that “the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz must continue without a doubt.”
Jamenei added that Iran valued “the opening of other fronts where the enemy has little experience and would be very vulnerable,” and assured that these would be activated “if the state of war persists and in accordance with our interests.” He also stated that Iran has a policy of “friendship” with the 15 neighboring countries with which it shares land or sea borders, but advises them to close U.S. Bases, which, he says, Iran will continue to attack.
“At this point, they must have realized that the pretense of the United States to establish security and peace was nothing but a lie,” he added.
Vengeance and Regional Alliances
The new Supreme Leader called on Iranians to maintain unity “in times of difficulty” and praised his father, Ali Jamenei, who led Iran for 37 years and died in an attack on February 28th, the first day of the war between the United States and Israel in Iran. His wife, sister, her young son, and another sister’s husband also died in that bombing, according to Jamenei.
Jamenei affirmed that Iran will not hesitate to “avenge the blood of the Iranians” who have died in the bombings, particularly in the case of “the atrocity committed” in Minab, where a U.S. Attack near a school killed 168 people, including approximately 110 children. He stated, “I assure everyone that we will not give up on avenging the blood of its martyrs. The revenge we have in mind is not limited to the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate matter in the revenge file.”
Iran claims the school in Minab was hit by a U.S. Missile, and a video verified by the BBC shows a U.S. Tomahawk missile impacting near the school. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated last week to the BBC that they are investigating the incident.
Jamenei stated that Iran will demand “compensation from the enemy” and, if refused, “we will confiscate as much of their property as we deem appropriate. If that is also impossible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of their property.” He also thanked the “Resistance Front,” or Axis of Resistance, comprised of allied regional militias and armed groups, noting that “the solidarity between the components of this front shortens the path to the liberation of the Zionist sedition.”
Uncertainty Surrounds New Leader
Mojtaba Jamenei is the second son of Ali Jamenei and was considered a leading candidate to succeed his father, though he maintained a low profile. He has not yet appeared in state media, leading to speculation, particularly among the Iranian diaspora, about whether he has been injured or is even still alive. Iranian state television has referred to him as a “veteran of the Ramadan War,” without providing further confirmation of any injuries. According to Reuters, citing an anonymous Iranian official, the new leader sustained “minor injuries.”
The Supreme Leader of Iran is chosen indirectly by the Assembly of Experts, a constitutional body of 88 members responsible for both electing and supervising the Supreme Leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mojtaba Jamenei say about the Strait of Hormuz?
Mojtaba Jamenei stated that “the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz must continue without a doubt” to pressure enemies.
Who was Mojtaba Jamenei’s father?
Mojtaba Jamenei’s father was Ayatollah Ali Jamenei, the previous Supreme Leader of Iran, who died on February 28th.
What happened in Minab, according to the report?
A U.S. Attack near a school in Minab killed 168 people, including approximately 110 children, and Iran is demanding revenge for this incident.
As Iran navigates this transition of power, what impact will the new Supreme Leader’s rhetoric have on regional stability and international relations?
