In brief
In the wake of the February air raid that killed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly demanded revenge on the United States, echoing funeral chants that called for the assassination of President Trump. The statement, read on state TV, marks the leader’s first appearance since the funeral, and reflects a broader surge of anti‑American rhetoric amid ongoing hostilities. International signals indicate the US has yet to respond decisively, while Iranian media continue to warn of further military retaliation. With tensions high over the Strait of Hormuz and stalled ceasefire talks, the risk of escalation remains sharp.
The Iranian air strike that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on 28 February has plunged the nation into a surge of seething anger and calls for retribution across the country.
In a brief statement broadcast on state television, Mojtaba Khamenei, whose inaugural public appearance came after his father’s funeral, declared that vengeance for his father’s ‘martyrdom’ is a “will of the nation.” He urged the international community to acknowledge that the blood of the fallen must be avenged, announcing that Iran would take “no‑quarter” against any nation that inflicted the strike.
The funeral ceremonies that followed his burial in Mashhad were marked by mourners holding placards that called for the murder of U.S. President Donald Trump. Those chants came amid U.S. reports that Israel had passed intelligence to Washington confirming Iran’s desire to remove Trump from office.
U.S. officials have so far denied the claims, stating that the potential “kill list” dates back years and that no new plans are in place. The situation remains tense, with the Gulf region’s maritime routes under threat and the ceasefire talks under strain.
The repercussions of Khamenei’s statement will likely shape the next few days of escalation, as Iran’s leadership signals a readiness to target U.S. assets beyond the immediate theater of conflict. Sides remain fractured, and observers warn that any misstep could trigger a wider regional war.
A portrait of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei flanked by a motorcycle‑riding couple has not been shown publicly since the February conflict.
The funeral gathering at Mashhad saw crowds with flags demanding the assassination of President Trump.