Mojtaba Khamenei’s first message as Iran’s supreme leader: Key warnings amid escalating US–Israel conflict

In his first public message since assuming office as Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a series of warnings and declarations as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies across the region.

The statement, read by a news anchor on Iranian state television, laid out Tehran’s stance on the ongoing war, including potential pressure points in the Gulf and the possibility of further attacks on regional targets.

Khamenei also declared that “vengeance is a priority until fully achieved.”

Here are the key takeaways from Mojtaba Khamenei’s first remarks after assuming leadership.

1. Strait of Hormuz should remain closed

Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a means of exerting pressure during the conflict.

The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and the Iranian leader suggested maintaining its closure could be used as leverage in the ongoing war.

In his remarks, he said Iran “vows to avenge martyrs and keep the strait closed.”

2. Warning over US military bases

In the same message, Khamenei warned that US military bases across the region should be shut down or risk being attacked.

He also urged Gulf Arab countries hosting American forces to close those installations, claiming the security guarantees offered by Washington were “nothing more than a lie.”

3. Iran signals continued attacks on Gulf neighbours

Khamenei indicated that Iran’s military actions against Gulf Arab neighbours would continue.

According to the statement, Tehran plans to sustain pressure across the region as part of its response to the ongoing conflict.

4. Retaliation threat against adversaries

The Iranian leader issued a direct warning of retaliation against Iran’s enemies.

He said Iran would “obtain compensation” from its adversaries or “destroy their assets to the same extent,” signalling a potential escalation if hostilities continue.

5. Renewed threat to US bases

Reiterating his warning, Khamenei said all US military bases in the region should be shut down, warning they would otherwise face attacks by Iranian forces.

6. First remarks after leadership change

The statement marks Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public message since he became supreme leader following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei.

He did not appear on camera, and an Israeli assessment has suggested he may have been wounded during the early phase of the war.

Khamenei also vowed retaliation for those killed in the conflict, including victims of the Minab school attack, saying Iran would “avenge martyrs.”

War intensifies across the region

The message comes as the conflict continues to escalate across the Gulf.

Iranian attacks have targeted commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz and around Basra Port, part of what officials describe as a strategy to pressure the United States by threatening key energy routes.

Oil markets have reacted sharply, with Brent crude climbing back above $100 a barrel as tensions show little sign of easing.