Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has pledged to “avenge the blood” of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following the conclusion of the late leader’s funeral ceremonies. In a message broadcast on Iranian state television, Mojtaba Khamenei described revenge as “the demand of the nation” and expressed confidence that people across the world would support what he called a divine mission.
The statement came at a time of rising confrontation between Iran and the United States. Earlier on the same day, US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Truth Social, saying Iran would face overwhelming military retaliation if it launched further attacks. Trump claimed that “1000 missiles are locked and loaded” and warned that additional military action would follow if Tehran acted on its threats.
The funeral ceremonies also witnessed public calls for retaliation, with banners carrying threats against foreign leaders. The atmosphere reflected growing public anger following recent military exchanges between Iran and the United States.
Diplomatic tensions have also intensified over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Tehran has declined to provide the assurances sought by Washington regarding the unrestricted movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. Iranian authorities have instead maintained that the country has the authority to regulate navigation through the strait and collect transit fees, a position disputed by the United States.
The latest developments follow weeks of military exchanges between both countries. The conflict included US airstrikes targeting Iranian sites and Iranian retaliatory attacks affecting locations across the region. According to US officials, military operations resumed after what they described as efforts by hardline elements within Iran to derail an earlier ceasefire understanding. Washington has stated that negotiations remain possible, although military options continue to remain under consideration.
Iran’s representative to the United Nations reiterated that decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, including reopening routes or clearing sea mines, rest solely with Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticised the United States for ending waivers that had allowed Iran to sell crude oil in US dollars, arguing that the move violated an interim understanding reached between the two sides.
The United States has advised commercial vessels to use routes closer to Oman’s waters to reduce security risks. American officials have also maintained that any future nuclear agreement must include Iran surrendering its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a demand Tehran continues to reject.
Separately, residents near Pakdasht and Qiyamdasht, outside Tehran, reported hearing a loud explosion. Iranian state media later said the sound resulted from the controlled disposal of leftover ammunition from the recent conflict.
