Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday vowed to avenge the killing of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that retribution was “the demand of the nation” but suggesting it would involve supporters beyond Iran.
In his first public message since his father’s funeral ceremonies began a week ago, Mojtaba Khamenei said those responsible for the assassination would be held accountable.
“We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers,” the statement, broadcast on Iranian state television, said.
The statement added that vengeance “must certainly” take place, while suggesting the effort would extend beyond Iran.
“Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission,” it said.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, at the start of the conflict. Mojtaba Khamenei, who reportedly suffered injuries in the same strike, has not appeared in public since being appointed supreme leader on March 8.