Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei Warns in Maiden Address: US Bases Must Withdraw or Face Continued Attacks

The Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei stated that foreign military bases in the region are established to exert control over sovereign nations. He emphasized that while Iran seeks friendship and brotherhood with neighboring countries, it will thwart all conspiracies aimed at dividing the nation or inciting civil war. He further declared that the Iranian people will defeat their enemies through national solidarity, noting that his leadership derives its strength entirely from the support of the public.

Regarding the ongoing conflict, Mojtaba Khamenei asserted that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed until further notice. He warned that if U.S. bases in the Middle East are not closed, attacks against them will continue, stating that Iranian forces have already provided a “crushing response” during the most difficult times of the current conflict.

The Supreme Leader also spoke on the personal and national toll of the war, confirming that his father, wife, and sister were among those who attained the status of martyrs. He vowed that Iran would not abandon its right to avenge all martyrs, including every Iranian citizen, and insisted that the enemy would be held accountable for shedding Iranian blood and for attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as schools. Finally, he expressed his commitment to his new responsibilities, emphasizing that Iran remains unified in the face of these challenges.