In Iran, Mujtaba Khomeini, proclaimed as the new religious leader on March 8, addressed the public for the first time since his election to the highest office. His statement was broadcast to the general public on state television.
It was reported that Khamenei himself had not been seen in the footage before; earlier, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed reports that he was wounded during a US and Israeli strike. In this address, he paid special attention to the country's foreign policy directions and security policy.
The statement emphasized that Iran would not surrender to external aggression and would continue to use the "blockade of the Strait of Hormuz" measure to exert pressure on the enemy. Khamenei also advised neighboring countries to pursue a friendly policy and stop US attempts to build a base in Iran.
Khaminai's statement also revealed a plan to demand compensation from the US and Israel for material and moral damages caused during the attacks. As he noted, "We will demand compensation from the enemy in any case. If they don't agree, we take what we want from their property, and if it's not possible - we cause the same damage."
According to other statements by the Supreme Leader, Tehran intends to open new fronts, including with the support of the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. It is also emphasized that it is important to strengthen unity between the layers of the nation and community, to maintain unity even in disputes and conflicts.
Attention was also drawn to Khaminai's personal experience: he visited the martyred body of the former Ayatollah Ali Khaminai, witnessed an example of determination and will, and confirmed that he lost his wife, sister, and child as a result of the US and Israeli strike. The Iranian leader will not refuse to take revenge for the martyrs, especially those who died in Minab.
A BBC Persian Service correspondent noted that Iranian television called Mujtahbah a "Ramadan war veteran," but there was no precise information about whether she was injured or not. Although Western publications wrote that he was wounded on February 28, the severity of the injury has not yet been officially confirmed.
In general, Mujtaba Khaminai's first address served as an important signal regarding the country's domestic and foreign policy directions, security policy, and strengthening national unity.
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