‘I Lost My Father, Wife’: Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Revenge
Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has delivered his first public statement since assuming the country’s highest authority, declaring that Iran will seek revenge following the deaths of members of his family during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In an emotional message addressed to the Iranian people, the cleric acknowledged the personal losses he suffered in the recent escalation of hostilities, saying he lost both his father and wife during the attacks.
“I lost my father and my wife,” he said, referring to the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who reportedly died following an airstrike during the early days of the conflict.
Despite the personal tragedy, Mojtaba Khamenei called for unity among Iranians and vowed that the country would continue its resistance against its enemies.
“Our martyrs will not be forgotten. The Islamic Republic will respond to aggression and defend its sovereignty,” he said in the statement, promising retaliation for those killed during the war.
The leadership transition follows a period of intense turmoil in Iran after the death of Ali Khamenei, who had led the Islamic Republic for more than three decades. His passing created a major political vacuum in the country at a time when tensions between Iran and its regional rivals were already at a boiling point.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s emergence as the new Supreme Leader marks a historic moment for Iran. Though long considered influential behind the scenes, this is the first time he has formally assumed the country’s highest political and religious office.
The new leader’s first remarks come amid a widening regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and Western allies, with the United States playing a central role in the military and diplomatic tensions.
In his message, Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iranian forces and allied groups fighting in the region, describing them as defenders of the Islamic Republic and the broader “axis of resistance”.
He also warned that Iran would not retreat under pressure, insisting that those responsible for attacks on Iranian soil would face consequences.
“We will stand firm. The blood of our martyrs demands justice,” he declared.
Analysts say the new leader’s tone suggests that Tehran may adopt an even more hardline posture in the coming months, particularly as the country continues to grapple with the political, military and economic impact of the conflict.
The Supreme Leader in Iran holds ultimate authority over the military, judiciary and key state institutions, making Mojtaba Khamenei one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East.
His vow of revenge has further raised concerns among international observers that the war could escalate, especially as tensions remain high across the Gulf region and global energy markets react to the uncertainty.
For many Iranians, however, the statement also served as a call for national unity during a period of profound grief and political transition.
As Iran enters a new era under Mojtaba Khamenei, the direction of the country’s foreign policy and its role in the unfolding regional conflict will likely be closely watched by governments around the world.
