The Ghost Leader: Mojtaba Khamenei Issues Fiery First Decree but Fails to Appear
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, has not made a public appearance despite an announcement that he would deliver his first message to the nation since his election. Ultimately, the regime released written statements via a newly opened Twitter account.
In his first official statement following his appointment by the Assembly of Experts, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei addressed the circumstances of his ascension, noting: "I, your servant Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, was updated on the results of the honorable Assembly of Experts' vote at the same time as you, via Islamic Republic television."
Despite "teaser" messages published by Iran, the Supreme Leader did not even appear in a video; instead, his statement was released in writing.
The new leader expressed the weight of responsibility placed on his shoulders, stating: "For me, sitting in the seat that was the seat of two great leaders—the great Khomeini and the martyr Khamenei—is a difficult task."
Khamenei’s son presented a particularly aggressive doctrine against the backdrop of the war with Israel and the U.S. He emphasized the necessity of continuing military operations, stating: "The demand of the masses is the continuation of effective and 'regret-inducing' defense. Furthermore, the lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must undoubtedly continue to be used."
He also hinted at expanding the military campaign, revealing that "studies have been conducted regarding opening other fronts where the enemy has little experience and is most vulnerable." According to him, the activation of these fronts will be carried out in accordance with the duration of the war and the system's considerations.
Regarding regional alliances, the new leader expressed unconditional support for Iran's proxies across the Middle East. He noted: "We view the nations of the Resistance Front as our best friends. The matter of the resistance and the Resistance Front is an inseparable part of the values of the Islamic Revolution."
Khamenei added: "There is no doubt that the cooperation of the components of the Resistance Front with one another shortens the path to getting rid of the Zionist plot," while thanking fighters in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq for their actions.
Domestically, Khamenei praised the Iranian public for its resilience: "You are the people who led the country and ensured its authority."
He concluded with a personal reference to his late father, Ali Khamenei: "I had the privilege of visiting his body after his death; what I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I heard that he clenched the fist of his healthy hand."
The Supreme Leader promised "blood vengeance" against Israel and the U.S., demanding compensation for the strikes on Iran. "We demand compensation; if we do not receive it, we will take it by force."