Iran's New Supreme Leader Vows Revenge: 'Mission of Retaliation' After Father's Death in US-Israeli Strikes

Mojtaba Khamenei, speaking publicly for the first time since assuming power, promised that Iran would continue to seek justice for the death of his father and other top officials killed during the war sparked by U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28 [194419]. In a separate statement, he announced a "mission of revenge," stating that the retaliation does not depend on his presence or that of other officials, though no specific timeline or method has been disclosed [194434].

The threats come as the United States and Iran have exchanged fresh military strikes, with President Donald Trump warning that 1,000 missiles are "locked and loaded" and aimed at Iran if it acts on the funeral threats [193414]. The standoff has deepened after mourners at the funeral openly called for Trump's killing, and Iran has refused U.S. demands to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, instead insisting it must control the vital waterway and charge ships for passage [193414].

The violence began after Iran struck three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region, including strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain [191612]. Talks between the United States and Iran appear to be on hold until after the burial [191612].

The funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in late February during large-scale U.S. and Israeli strikes, concluded with his burial in the city of Mashhad at the Imam Reza Shrine after six days of mass processions [192595][191612]. Crowds chanted revenge slogans against Trump, and mourners waved red and black flags symbolizing mourning and revenge [191612][191761]. The new Supreme Leader did not appear in public at the ceremonies and is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father [191612].