Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei was elected as the third Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution last week. His election came after his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was assassinated in the early hours of the ongoing war against the United States and Israel.
Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei published his first message to the Iranian nation on Thursday. The message addressed various themes, including the martyred Leader, the current war, and Iran’s vision for the future.
Here are ten important questions and answers about Ayatollah Khamenei’s debut address as Iran’s Leader.
What does Iran’s new Leader think about closing the Strait of Hormuz?
The new Leader supports using the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic tool and stated: “We must continue to use the option of closing the Strait of Hormuz when necessary.”
Does he believe the war might expand?
Yes. He explained: “We have studied the possibility of opening new fronts—areas where the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. If the wartime situation continues, we may activate these fronts when national interests require.”
Will Iran reconsider its ties with the Axis of Resistance under his leadership?
No, that doesn’t appear to be the case. He emphasized continued solidarity: “I sincerely thank all fighters of the Resistance Front. We regard those nations as our closest friends. Resistance is an inseparable part of the values of the Islamic Revolution. Cooperation among the members of this front shortens the path to defeating the Zionist threat. As we have seen, brave and faithful Yemen continues defending Gaza’s people, Hezbollah stood by the Islamic Republic despite obstacles, and Iraqi resistance forces are courageously following the same course.”
Did he mention taking revenge for victims of U.S. and Israeli aggression?
Yes. He declared: “I assure everyone that we will not forgo the revenge owed to our martyrs. This vengeance is not limited to the assassination of the late revolutionary Leader—it extends to every citizen killed by the enemy. Though some initial acts of retaliation have occurred, the effort will continue until justice is fully achieved. We will be especially sensitive regarding the blood of our children. The enemy’s deliberate attack on the Shajarat-al-Tayyiba school in Minab and similar crimes will receive special attention.”
How does he propose to deal with the material damage caused by the U.S. and Israel?
He believes Iran must demand compensation from its enemies, saying: “We will collect reparations from the enemy, and if it refuses, we will seize assets equivalent to the losses. If that proves impossible, we will destroy their property to the same extent.”
What is his view on current tensions with Persian Gulf countries?
Addressing regional leaders, he said: “Iran has land or sea borders with fifteen neighboring countries, and we have always sought warm and constructive relations with all. However, the enemy has gradually built military and financial bases in some of these countries to strengthen its control over the region. During the recent attack, several of those bases were used. As we warned beforehand, we targeted only those bases—without attacking the host countries themselves. We will continue this policy when necessary, while still believing in friendship with our neighbors. These governments must decide where they stand—either with the invaders of our homeland or with the people who have been killed.”
What does he think about the U.S. military bases in the region?
The new Leader opposes their continued presence and urged host governments: “I advise you to close those bases as soon as possible. By now, you must realize that America’s claim of bringing peace and security is nothing but a lie.”
What is his position regarding the ideals and policies of the late Ayatollah Khamenei?
He has pledged full devotion to them, saying: “We promise to carry forward your banner—the true banner of the front of justice—and to pursue your sacred goals with all our strength.”
Did he see his father’s body after his martyrdom?
Yes. He recounted: “I was honored to see his body after his martyrdom. What I witnessed was a mountain of strength, and I was told his healthy hand remained clenched in a fist.”
What is his view on street demonstrations and public presence?
Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei said: “People must maintain an active and meaningful presence in public life—whether as they have shown during these wartime days and nights, or through effective participation in social, political, educational, cultural, and even security affairs. The important thing is to understand your role correctly and exercise it without harming national unity.”
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