Iran’s Supreme Leader Threatens Vengeance for Father’s Death in First Public Message
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TEHRAN, July 11, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei threatened vengeance on Saturday for the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first public message since funeral ceremonies began a week ago.
A written statement read on Iranian state television described vengeance as “the demand of the nation” and said it “must certainly” take place.
“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 said.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28 at the start of the war. He was buried at the country’s holiest shrine following a funeral attended by large crowds, Iranian state media reported on Friday.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader on March 8 with the backing of the Revolutionary Guards, suggested that retaliation would extend beyond Iran.
“Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission,” the statement said.
The new supreme leader has not appeared publicly since his appointment, with no photograph, video or audio recording released following the airstrike. Senior sources have said that he suffered facial disfigurement and other injuries in the attack.
His continued absence has added to uncertainty inside Iran, with some Iranians calling for him to appear publicly even if injured.
The statement comes after a renewed exchange of attacks between US and Iranian forces raised doubts over a truce intended to end the four-month war.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the ceasefire was over but confirmed that Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue talks.
