Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has revealed that he personally saw the body of his father following a deadly airstrike that killed several members of his family, as he vowed that Iran would pursue retaliation against its enemies amid the escalating regional war.
In a written message addressed to Iranian fighters and supporters, Mojtaba Khamenei confirmed the death of his father, Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, along with other close relatives during an airstrike earlier in the conflict. The message, which was not delivered on camera, offered a rare and emotional account of the aftermath of the strike and underscored the new leader’s determination to continue Iran’s military response.
“I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom,” Khamenei said of his father. “What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched.”
The statement also confirmed the deaths of several other family members in the same attack, including his wife, one of his sisters, his niece and the husband of another sister. The revelation marks one of the most personal acknowledgements yet from Iran’s leadership since the outbreak of the conflict, which has sharply escalated tensions across the Middle East.
Addressing Iranian fighters in the message, Mojtaba Khamenei called for continued resistance against what he described as hostile forces targeting the country. “Dear combatant brothers, the demand of the masses is the continuation of an effective and regret-inducing defense,” he said, urging supporters to maintain pressure on adversaries.
He also indicated that Iran would continue to explore military options beyond the current battlefield. According to Khamenei, “The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well,” adding that studies had been conducted on opening other fronts where adversaries would be “highly vulnerable.” He said such steps could be activated if the war continues and depending on strategic considerations.
The new leader further vowed that Iran would pursue a broad campaign of retaliation for those killed in the conflict, including civilians. “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” he said. “The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
According to Khamenei, some retaliatory actions have already taken place but further steps remain under consideration. “A limited portion of this retaliation has already taken tangible form, but until it is fully achieved, this file will remain open above other cases,” he said.
He also singled out attacks that he said had targeted civilians, including an incident involving the Shajareh-Tayyebeh school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, saying such cases would receive particular attention in Iran’s pursuit of accountability. “We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children,” he said.
Khamenei warned that Iran would seek compensation from those it considers responsible for the attacks. “One point I must emphasize is that, in any case, we will obtain compensation from the enemy. If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent,” he said.
He also issued a warning to countries hosting foreign military bases in the region, urging them to reconsider their positions. “These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people,” he said. “I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realized that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie.”
