Mojtaba Khamenei Issues First Statement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Vows Continued Resistance

Mojtaba Khamenei Issues First Statement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Vows Continued Resistance

TEHRAN — Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has delivered his first public address since assuming the country’s highest leadership position, vowing to continue what he described as a “deterrent defense” against Iran’s enemies amid the ongoing regional conflict.

In the lengthy statement, Khamenei praised Iranian fighters for confronting what he called an unjust attack against the country and said their actions had shattered the enemy’s hopes of weakening or dividing Iran.

He also emphasized that Iran would maintain strong defensive measures, including keeping the option of closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route linking the Persian Gulf to international markets.

According to him, studies have also been conducted on opening additional fronts where adversaries may be vulnerable, adding that such actions could be implemented depending on how the war develops and the interests of the Iranian nation.

Support for regional allies

Khamenei expressed gratitude to what he described as the “Resistance Front,” praising allied groups across the Middle East for their support during the conflict. He highlighted the roles played by forces in Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, saying their cooperation strengthened the broader resistance against Israel.

He specifically commended the role of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and fighters in Yemen for supporting Iran and defending Palestinians in Gaza Strip.

The Iranian leader said the collaboration of groups within the resistance network would accelerate what he described as the “liberation from Zionist sedition.”

Message to citizens affected by the conflict

Addressing civilians affected by the fighting, Khamenei expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in the conflict and pledged government support for the wounded and those whose homes and businesses had been damaged.

He promised free medical treatment for those injured and instructed government officials to ensure compensation for financial losses where possible. Authorities were also directed to provide reports on the implementation of relief measures.

Khamenei revealed that members of his own family were among those killed during the recent attacks, including his wife, sister and other relatives, describing their deaths as part of the broader sacrifices made during the conflict.

Warning to regional governments

In the address, the Iranian leader also warned neighboring countries hosting foreign military bases that such facilities could be targeted if they are used to launch attacks against Iran.

He said Tehran had already struck some of those bases during recent hostilities but insisted that Iran’s actions were directed only at the military installations rather than the countries hosting them.

Khamenei urged regional governments to close foreign bases, arguing that claims by the United States that such deployments bring stability to the region are misleading.

Despite the warning, he reiterated that Iran seeks friendly relations with neighboring states and hopes to maintain constructive ties with countries sharing land and maritime borders with the Islamic Republic.

Call for patience and faith

Concluding his remarks, Khamenei called on Iranians to remain patient and steadfast during the war, saying perseverance and faith would lead to victory.

He also urged prayers for what he described as a decisive triumph over Iran’s enemies and for peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.

The speech marks the first major policy signal from Iran’s new leader and suggests Tehran will maintain a firm military posture while seeking to rally domestic support and strengthen alliances across the region.

 

Mojtaba Khamenei Issues First Statement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Vows Continued Resistance