Supreme leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has released his first-ever address as ayatollah of the Islamic Republic, but he did not appear on camera to deliver it himself.
Khamenei told his compatriots in a statement read out on state media, that “the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should continue as a means of exerting pressure on the enemy” and affirmed that the Iranian regime would continue the conflict indefinitely.
“We promise never to hesitate in taking revenge for the blood of the martyrs,” Khamenei said in the statement, adding: “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 added: “We will respond with deep regret for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
“So far, only partial forms of revenge have emerged, but it will soon be fully realized.”
The speech was read aloud by a newscaster for Iranian state media, without an appearance by the supreme leader himself — a noticeable absence at a moment when speculation runs rampant about his health.
Khamenei’s address extended an olive branch to neighboring countries, stating that the Iranian regime is only interested in striking U.S. military infrastructure.
“The enemy has established military bases in some countries over the years to secure dominance over the region,” Khamenei said. “As we have clearly warned, we have attacked only the bases without targeting the countries themselves.”
He recommended the forced closure of these bases to ensure civilians are not caught in the crossfire.
The supreme leader also warned that Iran has investigated “other fronts where the enemy is inexperienced and extremely vulnerable” and will pursue these routes of combat.
U.S. officials have warned about the potential for Iranian sleeper cell attacks. A leaked bulletin from the FBI to law enforcement also acknowledged the possibility of a surprise done attack launched from an off-shore vessel.
“It is being investigated but you have a lot of things happening, and all we could do is take them as they come,” Trump told reporters this week.
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Mojtaba Khamenei was selected earlier this week to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after his assassination in the opening strikes of Operation Epic Fury.
He is reportedly injured, but the extent of his wounds is not known. Thus far, there has been no verifiable proof of life.
Supporters cheered for a life-size cardboard cut-out of the supreme leader at an allegiance rally in Tehran this week, with the real Khamenei nowhere to be seen,
