Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has outlined the country’s position on the ongoing conflict during his first televised address since assuming office on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.
Mojtaba Khamenei took over leadership following the reported death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been killed during missile strikes linked to the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.
In the broadcast, the new leader urged citizens to remain united and reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed after Iran shut the key shipping route amid the conflict. He also indicated that military operations targeting American bases in the region could continue.
Khamenei further suggested that fighters associated with the Yemeni group, Houthis, might join the conflict, stating that the resistance in Yemen “will also do the job.”
He praised Iran’s armed forces for confronting both the United States and Israel during the crisis.
“I would like to thank the brave fighters who are doing a great job at a time when our country is under pressure and under attack,” he said, pledging that Iran would continue its fight.
Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei was selected as the country’s new Supreme Leader by Iran’s constitutional body of clerics after Ali Khamenei died in the early phase of the conflict, which entered its 13th day on Thursday.
Family members of the late leader, including his wife and daughter, were also reported to have died in the same strikes.
According to available figures, more than 1,300 people have reportedly died in Iran since the war began. The United States has confirmed the deaths of eight of its soldiers, while at least 13 fatalities have been reported in Israel.