Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader delivered a defiant warning during his first address, declaring Mojtaba Khamenei threatens US bases across the Middle East if Washington continues military actions.
The speech marked the first public appearance by Mojtaba Khamenei since he replaced his father, Ali Khamenei, after the longtime Iranian leader was killed during joint strikes by the United States and Israel.
In the televised message broadcast by Iranian state media, the 56-year-old leader struck a defiant tone and vowed retaliation for casualties Iran says were inflicted during the early days of fighting.
“Our nation will avenge the blood of martyrs,” Khamenei declared, according to a statement read aloud by state television during the address watched across Iran and neighboring countries.
The new leader specifically referenced the controversial strike on a school in Minab, which Iranian officials claim killed at least 175 people, including dozens of children.
Khamenei said the victims symbolized what he described as unjust aggression against the Islamic Republic and insisted the country would not back down despite international pressure.
“All US bases in the region should immediately be closed,” he warned during the address.
He continued with a stark threat directed at American military installations scattered across the Middle East.
“If they remain open and hostile actions continue, they will become targets for future attacks,” Khamenei warned.
The declaration dramatically escalated tensions between Iran and the United States as the conflict continues spreading across several parts of the region.
Washington currently operates military facilities in countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, making them potential flashpoints if hostilities intensify.
Khamenei framed the warning as a defensive response to what he called American aggression.
“Iran has no choice but to defend itself and avenge the blood of its martyrs,” he said.
The leader also emphasized unity among Iranian citizens as the country navigates a rapidly expanding war with both the United States and Israel.
He urged the Iranian public to remain resilient despite economic disruption, military pressure and increasing international isolation.
“Our strength lies in unity,” the statement read.
“We must stand together as a nation in defense of our sovereignty and dignity.”
Despite issuing threats toward American bases, Khamenei insisted Iran still sought peaceful relations with neighboring countries in the Gulf region.
“Iran continues to pursue friendship with its neighbors,” he said.
However, the speech also confirmed Tehran intends to maintain its controversial blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping route.
The waterway carries a large share of the world’s oil exports and has become a central pressure point in the widening conflict.
Khamenei described the blockade as a legitimate tool of leverage against the United States and its allies.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz should be continued as a tool to pressure the enemy,” he said.
The decision has already caused turmoil in global energy markets as tanker traffic faces mounting risks from attacks and military patrols.
Energy analysts warn that continued disruption could trigger one of the worst supply shocks in modern history.
Oil prices have surged sharply in recent days as traders react to escalating tensions.
The International Energy Agency has warned the world may be facing the most severe oil supply disruption ever recorded.
Several commercial ships have already reported attacks or attempted strikes in waters near the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for multiple military operations targeting US-linked positions throughout the region.
The group said it launched missiles at American military assets located in the Gulf.
Iranian officials describe the strikes as retaliation for earlier US-Israeli attacks inside Iranian territory.
Those strikes included the operation that reportedly killed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family.
According to Iranian reports, the former leader’s compound was targeted during a coordinated attack late last month.
The incident triggered widespread anger across Iran and sparked a wave of retaliatory operations against Western interests.
Analysts say Mojtaba Khamenei’s speech suggests Tehran will maintain an aggressive stance rather than seeking immediate negotiations.
Security experts warn the rhetoric could increase the risk of direct confrontation between American and Iranian forces stationed across the region.
Many of those bases serve as logistics hubs supporting US military operations throughout the Middle East.
Any attack against them could dramatically widen the scope of the conflict.
Western governments have urged restraint from all sides amid fears of a broader regional war.
But Khamenei’s message made clear that Iran is preparing for a prolonged confrontation.
“Our enemies must understand that Iran will not surrender,” he said.
The speech signals a continuation of the hardline policies that defined his father’s decades-long leadership.
Observers say the new supreme leader appears determined to project strength early in his tenure.
That strategy could rally domestic support but also heighten tensions with Washington and its allies.
The coming days may reveal whether diplomatic channels can still prevent the situation from spiraling further.
For now, the message from Tehran appears unmistakably confrontational.
Read also: US missile strike on Iran school reportedly caused by targeting mistake
Khamenei concluded his statement by repeating his vow that Iran would not forget those killed in the conflict.
“The blood of our martyrs will be avenged,” he said.
About The Author
