Iran’s newly appointed Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public message on Thursday, combining mourning, defiance, and a call for national unity as the country faces the aftermath of a devastating conflict with the United States and Israel. In a speech laden with religious symbolism and political resolve, the new leader emphasized that Iran must maintain its defensive posture and keep the critical Strait of Hormuz closed, signaling a continuation of the confrontational policies that have defined the Islamic Republic in recent years.
“The will of the people is to continue effective defense, and their presence on the scene must be maintained. The Strait of Hormuz must remain closed,” Ayatollah Khamenei declared, setting the tone for a speech that underscored both internal mobilization and external resistance.
The address began with a prayer for the return of the Awaited Imam, followed by a solemn tribute to the late revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, whose death has left a profound vacuum in the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Expressing condolences to the Iranian nation and the broader Muslim world, Mojtaba Khamenei described the loss as deeply painful, particularly amid the turmoil of the recent war.
He acknowledged the enormous responsibility of stepping into a role previously held by towering figures of Iran’s revolutionary history. “Sitting in a position once occupied by two great leaders, Imam Khomeini and Martyr Khamenei, is a daunting task,” he said.
Reflecting on the life of his predecessor, he added that the former leader’s decades of struggle had forged a legacy rarely matched in modern political history. “This seat once belonged to a person who, after more than 60 years of struggle for God and sacrificing all kinds of pleasures and comforts, became a shining gem and an exceptional figure, not only in our time but in the history of this country’s rulers,” he said. “Both his life and the manner of his death were intertwined with dignity and honor, rooted in his reliance on the truth.”
Ayatollah Khamenei revealed that he had personally visited the late leader’s body, describing it as a “mountain of steadfastness,” and acknowledged that assuming leadership after such a figure was an immense challenge. “This is why taking on the leadership after such a figure is a heavy responsibility. Bridging this gap is only possible with the help of God and with the support of the people,” he said.
A major portion of the speech focused on the role of the Iranian public in national defense and political life. According to the new leader, the strength of the Islamic Republic lies not only in its institutions but in the participation and resilience of its people.
“One of the great qualities of the martyred leader and his predecessor was involving the people in all aspects of life, continuously educating them, and relying on their strength in practice,” he said. “He brought the true meaning of a republic and popular governance to life and was deeply committed to it.”
Referring to the tense period following the death of the previous leader, when Iran briefly lacked a supreme commander-in-chief, he praised the population for maintaining stability. “The insight, intelligence, and resilience of the great Iranian people during this time impressed friends and astonished foes. It was you, the people, who led the country and ensured its power,” he said.
He warned that without public participation, the state’s institutions would lose their effectiveness. “If your strength does not appear on the scene, neither leadership nor any of the institutions, whose true purpose is to serve the people, will function properly,” he said, urging citizens to maintain unity and trust in God.
The leader also encouraged national mobilization around symbolic events, including the upcoming Quds Day procession at the end of Ramadan, describing it as a rallying point for solidarity.
Beyond political unity, Ayatollah Khamenei called for social solidarity and humanitarian support during the ongoing crisis. “Do not hesitate to assist one another,” he urged, praising the generosity of the Iranian people and calling on service organizations to expand aid to those affected by the conflict.
“In this regard, I urge all service organizations to offer their full support to those in need and to the people’s volunteer relief structures,” he said, noting that many families have suffered from what he described as terrorism carried out by the United States and Israel.
He also expressed confidence that perseverance would ultimately lead to victory. “The nearest example of this is, God willing, victory over the enemy in the current war,” he said.
The speech included strong praise for Iran’s armed forces, which he credited with preventing the country’s fragmentation during the conflict. “Our brave soldiers, who have bravely halted the enemy’s advance with their crushing blows, dispelling any illusions the enemy had of controlling our homeland or possibly fragmenting it,” he said.
He reiterated that the public expects a firm defensive posture, repeating his earlier statement that “continued effective and regret-inducing defense” is necessary and again insisting that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz must remain in place.
Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted Iran’s network of regional allies, commonly known as the resistance front, emphasizing solidarity with groups and governments aligned against Israel. “We consider the countries of the resistance front to be our best friends,” he said, specifically mentioning Hezbollah as well as partners in Yemen and Iraq.
“The cause of resistance is an inseparable part of the values of the Islamic Revolution. The solidarity of these countries makes the path to breaking the Zionist plot shorter,” he added.
In one of the most personal sections of the address, the leader spoke about the heavy toll the conflict has taken on families across the country, including his own. He expressed sympathy for those who had lost loved ones and revealed that several members of his own family were among the victims.
“I express my deep sympathy to the families of the martyrs,” he said, adding that his wife, sister, niece, and brother-in-law were among those killed.
Despite the losses, he framed endurance as an act of faith. “What makes enduring these hardships possible, even easier, is the belief in God’s guaranteed reward for those who are patient,” he said.
The new leader also vowed that Iran would relentlessly pursue justice for those killed in the war. “Furthermore, I assure everyone that we will not abandon the pursuit of justice for the blood of our martyrs,” he declared. “The revenge we seek is not limited to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution but extends to every member of the nation who is killed by the enemy.”
Turning to regional diplomacy, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed neighboring governments, warning against allowing foreign powers to use their territories for attacks against Iran. “We share borders with 15 countries, both land and sea, and have always sought warm and constructive relations with them,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the presence of foreign military bases in some neighboring states had forced Iran to respond militarily. “While we will continue targeting these foreign bases, our commitment to good relations with our neighbors remains, provided they stop hosting such foreign military installations,” he said.
In closing, the leader returned to the memory of his predecessor, offering a final tribute. “O Leader, your departure has left a heavy sorrow upon the hearts of all,” he said, recalling that the former leader died while reciting the Qur’an during the early hours of the 10th day of Ramadan.
“It may take time before all the veils are lifted and the many aspects of your greatness are fully understood,” he added.
Ayatollah Khamenei concluded with a pledge to carry forward the revolutionary mission he inherited. “We pledge to you that we will strive with all our might to elevate the banner that you raised—the banner of truth and the ultimate goals of your blessed mission,” he said.
He also thanked religious authorities, political figures, and ordinary citizens for their support, offering prayers for divine protection over Iran and “all Muslims and oppressed peoples worldwide” as the country enters a new and uncertain chapter.
