US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured and may have suffered disfigurement during a visit to the Pentagon. He added that Iranian leaders are "hiding like rats."
On Thursday, March 12, Khamenei sent a written message, read by Iranian state television, without appearing in public. In the statement, he vowed revenge for Iranian blood that has been spilled, stressing that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and that attacks on American bases will continue.
Khamenei also warned that his government would seek compensation for the damage caused to his country, but added that Iran is ready for cooperation and good relations with neighboring countries. However, he hinted that Tehran could have surprises in the ways of continuing attacks on targets it considers weak.
In his message, Khamenei called for countries in the region to close their US military bases and underlined that US claims to establish security and peace are “simply a lie.” He also stressed that avenging the blood of Iranian martyrs is a national priority, including in cases of attacks on schools and civilians.
Iran’s new leader also sent messages to groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah, saying that their cooperation will shorten the path to “liberation from the Zionist regime.” He also stressed that the war will continue until Iran’s goals are achieved, and that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue as a tool of pressure.
Khamenei also warned that his government will demand reparations from the enemy, and in case of refusal, will confiscate or destroy assets it deems necessary.
