Mojtaba Khamenei Promises Retaliation for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Assassination

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has pledged that those responsible for the assassination of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will face retribution, calling it a national obligation that will be fulfilled regardless of who is in power.

In a message released following the completion of the late leader’s funeral ceremonies, Mojtaba Khamenei said the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others killed in the US-Israeli strikes would not go unanswered. He asserted that the demand for justice reflects the determination of the Iranian people and is not tied to any single government or official.

The Iranian leader warned that those behind the attack should not expect to escape accountability, adding that the pursuit of revenge would continue until it is achieved. He maintained that the campaign would extend beyond Iran’s borders, claiming that supporters of the country across the world would contribute to what he described as a shared mission.

Mojtaba Khamenei also thanked millions of mourners who participated in funeral processions and memorial events held over six days in cities across Iran and Iraq. He described the public response as unprecedented and said the large gatherings demonstrated national unity despite growing regional tensions. According to his statement, the turnout reflected the public’s continued support for the country’s leadership and its political direction following the transition of power.

Former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried late Thursday at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. Thousands gathered to pay their final respects as his coffin was carried through the shrine before the burial ceremony at the Dar al-Dhikr prayer hall. Funeral prayers were led by his eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei, in the presence of senior clerics, government officials, military commanders and large crowds of supporters.

In his address, Mojtaba Khamenei also invoked the legacy of Imam Hosayn, saying the Iranian people have historically made sacrifices in defence of their religious beliefs and would continue to remain committed to those ideals. He described the country’s resilience as being rooted in faith and national unity during times of conflict.

Paying tribute to his late father, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to preserve his predecessor’s vision and continue governing according to the principles he had established over decades of leadership. He said the challenges facing Iran would not deter the country’s leadership from pursuing its objectives and urged citizens to remain united in the face of external threats.

The new Supreme Leader also offered prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and those killed alongside him in the strikes, describing them as martyrs whose sacrifices would continue to inspire future generations. He expressed confidence that their deaths would strengthen Iran’s resolve rather than weaken it.

The assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, marked a major turning point in the region, triggering heightened military tensions and diplomatic uncertainty across West Asia. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, ushering in a new phase of Iran’s political leadership amid continued regional instability.