In a written statement broadcasted on Iranian state television, Mojtaba Khamenei said avenging his father’s death was “the will of the Iranian people.” The message marked his first public appearance since funeral ceremonies for Ali Khamenei began earlier this week.
Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on February 28, 2026, the same day the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran began. He was laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Mashhad, during a funeral attended by large crowds.
Mojtaba Khamenei had not been seen in public since before the war started. Unconfirmed reports had suggested that he was seriously injured in the same strike that killed his father.
In his statement, he vowed that Iran would take revenge not only for the death of the former Supreme Leader but also for all those killed during the conflict.
“We pledge to avenge the blood of our fallen leader and all those murdered by the killers,” he said.
He added that Iran’s response would not depend on whether he or other leaders remained alive, insisting that revenge would be carried out regardless of the circumstances.
In recent days, some mourners attending Ali Khamenei’s funeral were seen carrying placards calling for the assassination of US President Donald Trump. Trump has warned that any attempt to target him would trigger an overwhelming military response from the United States against Iran.
