Mojtaba Khamenei says Iran will not forgo revenge for blood of killed in first message as leader

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's leader, stated in his first message after assuming the position that Iran will not forgo "revenge for the blood of the killed," and that this extends beyond the killing of Iran's previous leader.

Iranian media published the message on Thursday. Khamenei expressed condolences to families of those killed and injured in recent attacks, emphasizing that every Iranian citizen killed by the enemy constitutes "an independent matter for pursuing revenge."

He said part of the revenge has already been carried out but will continue until reaching "its full extent." Khamenei thanked Iran's military forces for preventing the enemy from achieving its goals amid what he called "enemy aggression."

He stressed that Iran should continue using the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz" and noted that reviews have been conducted on opening new fronts against the enemy, which may be activated if the war persists.

Khamenei thanked groups he termed the "resistance front," describing them as close allies. He specifically acknowledged Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and armed groups in Iraq for their "support for Iran."

He warned regional countries that if enemy bases are active on their soil, Iran may target them, while stating Tehran seeks "warm and constructive" relations with neighbors.

Khamenei also praised the Iranian people for their "steadfastness and presence on the scene" and stressed the need for national unity and public participation to overcome current conditions. He expressed gratitude for support from government officials, clerics, and the public for his election as leader.