The latest
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to avenge the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring in a statement published by the semi-official Fars News Agency that revenge is “the demand of our nation and must be carried out.” The statement was issued just hours after President Donald Trump warned of a devastating military response if Iran attempted to assassinate him.
Details
• Khamenei’s pledge: Mojtaba Khamenei said revenge “does not depend on my presence or that of any other official,” promising it would happen “soon,” according to Fars.
• Trump’s warning: Trump reiterated that any Iranian attempt to assassinate him would trigger an unprecedented U.S. military response, repeating the warning in a Truth Social post.
• Assassination concerns: CNN reported that U.S. and Israeli officials have discussed threats voiced by Iranian hardliners, while U.S. intelligence officials say they have not identified any new, specific Iranian assassination plot targeting Trump.
• Continued absence: Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since assuming the role of Supreme Leader. Reports have circulated that he was injured during the war, but Iranian authorities have neither confirmed his condition nor released recent images of him.
• No negotiations: Fars quoted an informed source as denying reports that Iran had requested renewed negotiations with the United States, saying no such request had been made.
Background
The statement comes amid one of the most dangerous periods of tension between Iran, the United States, and Israel since the recent war. The exchange of threats coincides with continued disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional deterrence, while diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
What to watch
Attention will focus on whether Mojtaba Khamenei makes his first public appearance, how Washington and Israel respond to his threats, and whether the escalating rhetoric affects regional security or prospects for renewed nuclear diplomacy.
