Mojtaba Khamenei issues first public remarks as Iran's new leader
What's the story
Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a stern warning to the United States in his first public statement since becoming the new Supreme Leader of Iran. He said all US military bases in the region should be immediately closed or they will face attacks. The statement was broadcast on Iranian state television and read by a news anchor.
Strategic leverage
Khamenei talks about blocking Strait of Hormuz
Khamenei also spoke about the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy route connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. He said it must remain closed, defying calls by US President Donald Trump and global markets to reopen the vital oil trade route. He said Iran should continue to use this strategic choke point as leverage in its conflict with the US. "Certainly, the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz should still be used," Khamenei said.
Retaliation promised
We will avenge deaths of Iranian civilians: Khamenei
The new Iranian leader also promised to retaliate for the deaths of Iranian civilians in recent attacks. He specifically mentioned a missile strike on a girls' school in Minab that killed at least 168 people, including around 110 children. "We will not hesitate to avenge the blood of Iranians," he said. The supreme leader further said that Iran was "only targeting military bases" in neighboring countries "out of necessity" and that "we believe in friendship with our neighbors."
Statement
'We will take reparations from the enemy'
"We will take reparations from the enemy, and if it refuses, we will seize from its assets to the extent we deem necessary, and if that too is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent portion of its assets," Mojtaba said. Mojtaba assumed power after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, along with other top Iranian officials.
Peace terms
Iran lays out conditions for peace talks
Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian laid out three conditions to end the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. He said any resolution must recognize Iran's rights, ensure payment of reparations, and provide firm international guarantees against future aggression. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Pezeshkian emphasized that these conditions are essential to resolve the war "ignited by the Zionist regime & US."