In debut address Irans Leader says war may expand further vows retribution

In debut address, Iran's Leader says war may expand further, vows retribution

TEHRAN — In his first public message as Iran's Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran may expand its conflict with the U.S. and Israel, and urged neighboring countries hosting American bases to cease their cooperation with Washington.

The address, released on Thursday, comes less than two weeks after the U.S. and Israel assassinated his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and simultaneously began a bombing campaign against Iranian civilian and military sites. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who also lost his mother, wife, sister, niece, and nephew on the same day, was elected last week by the Assembly of Experts—a council whose members are chosen by popular vote—to succeed his father.

In his address, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei praised the "crushing blows" delivered by Iranian forces in recent days but made clear that the current level of retaliation is "merely a prelude". He explicitly confirmed that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain a key strategic lever and revealed that plans have been finalized to activate new, unpredictable fronts against the enemy.

"Regarding the opening of other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and in which it will be severely vulnerable, studies have been conducted," the Leader stated. "Its activation will occur if the state of war continues, in accordance with the preservation of national interests."

One section of his message was directed at regional heads of state, particularly those in the Persian Gulf. The Leader demanded the immediate closure of American military installations on their soil, and reiterated that while the Islamic Republic seeks warm relations with its fifteen neighbors, it will not hesitate to target bases used in attacks against Iran.

"I advise them to close those bases as soon as possible," Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said. "They must have realized by now that America's claim of establishing security and peace was nothing but a lie."

A significant portion of the message was dedicated to a comprehensive promise of retribution. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who noted his own deep personal losses, assured the nation that the blood of every single martyr constitutes an independent file demanding vengeance.

"We will not overlook taking revenge for the blood of your martyrs," he declared. "This revenge is not only related to the martyrdom of the great Leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy is an independent subject in the file of revenge."

The Leader mandated free and comprehensive healthcare for the wounded and asked officials to swiftly compensate for financial damages to private property. He further warned that Iran would seek reparations directly from the enemy’s assets, and if unattainable, "would destroy them to an equal measure."

The new Leader also sent a message of solidarity to the Axis of Resistance, singling out the "brave and faithful Yemen," the "sacrificing Hezbollah," and the "courageous resistance in Iraq" for their support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the oppressed people of Gaza. He affirmed that the Resistance Front is an inseparable part of the Revolution's values.

Concluding his address with a spiritual vow to his predecessor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to strive with full force to elevate the "flag of the front of truth" and achieve the sacred goals of the late Leader's struggle, seeking divine victory for the nation in the remaining blessed nights of the holy month of Ramadan.

source: tehrantimes.com