Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first address since assuming leadership of the Islamic Republic — but he did not appear on camera to deliver it.
Instead, the remarks were read aloud by a state television newscaster, an unusual format that immediately fueled speculation about the leader’s health and whereabouts following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
In the statement broadcast by Iranian state media, Khamenei called for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping lanes, framing the move as a pressure tactic against the United States and its allies.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz should continue as a means of exerting pressure on the enemy,” Khamenei said.
The new ayatollah also vowed that Iran would pursue revenge for those killed in the conflict, including his father.
“We promise never to hesitate in taking revenge for the blood of the martyrs,” Khamenei said in the statement.
“This revenge is not limited to the martyrdom of the great revolutionary leader [Ali Khamenei] but is for all the people sacrificed by the enemy.”
He warned that retaliation would intensify in the future.
“So far, only partial forms of revenge have emerged, but it will soon be fully realized,” he said.
Despite the hardline tone, Khamenei attempted to reassure neighboring states that Iran’s attacks are directed at U.S. military infrastructure rather than regional governments themselves.
“The enemy has established military bases in some countries over the years to secure dominance over the region,” he said. “As we have clearly warned, we have attacked only the bases without targeting the countries themselves.”
Khamenei added that closing those bases would reduce the risk of civilian casualties.
The speech also suggested that Tehran is exploring additional avenues of conflict beyond the battlefield.
Iran, he said, has identified “other fronts where the enemy is inexperienced and extremely vulnerable” and intends to pursue them.
The decision to deliver the address without a live appearance from the supreme leader comes at a moment of intense regional tension and has intensified speculation about the internal stability of Iran’s leadership.
Watch the clip below:
The first statement from Iran's new Supreme Leader. pic.twitter.com/Pat6gmA58T
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 12, 2026
More over at The Washington Examiner:
BREAKING: Mojtaba Khamenei releases first statement as supreme leader but does not appear on camera https://t.co/KMujfg93HY
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 12, 2026
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