WASHINGTON, D.C. — A purported message from Iran’s new supreme leader comes as “Operation Epic Fury” approaches its third week.
What is believed to be the new voice at the top of Iran’s power structure is promising retribution as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S. intensifies.
On Thursday, Iranian state television shared what they say is the first message from the country’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, after he was appointed to the role on Sunday. Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking power. He was reportedly injured during the first day of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes — suffering minor injuries in the strike that killed his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
“I gave this assurance to people that we will not forget. We will have revenge on the blood of your martyrs,” read part of Khamenei’s translated, purported statement broadcasted on state TV.
Khamenei also said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed as a “tool of pressure.” The strait is perhaps the most critical oil choke point in the world, responsible for transporting about 20% of the world’s oil supply. It’s at Iran’s disposal, and its closure is — and will continue — to impact prices globally.
Meanwhile, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said he’s been in contact with leaders of Russia and Pakistan, telling them Iran remains committed to peace — even as the country continues striking economic and military targets across the region.
“The only way to end the war that began with the warmongering of the Zionist regime and America is the acceptance of Iran’s indisputable rights, payment of reparations, and a firm international obligation to prevent their aggression from recurring,” said Pezeshkian in a post on X.
“The idea if you leave radical Islam alone, they’ll leave you alone, is a fantasy,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “The best way to deal with evil is to confront it, not appease it.”
Lawmakers in Washington are now reacting to the escalating rhetoric, with Democrats pushing for answers about the administration’s plan.
“They all say different things, they say things that conflict with each other,” said Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., about President Trump and cabinet officials.
“Is the war ending or are we on the brink of the worst fighting yet,” asked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., while speaking on the Senate floor this week. “How is it possible that Trump and his cronies can’t make it 12 hours without contradicting themselves about this war,” Schumer continued.
