Mojtaba Khamenei: We Will Avenge My Father's Blood from the 'Dishonorable' Killers

Message of Revenge in the Shadow of the Former Leader's Burial On July 11, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has recently succeeded his father, emphasized Tehran's firm resolve for retaliation in a sharp written message. This message was released only two days after Ali Khamenei's burial ceremony in the city of Mashhad [1]. Ali Khamenei, the former leader of the Islamic Republic, lost his life in late February 2026 during extensive air strikes by the United States and Israel. In the statement published by state news agencies, Mojtaba Khamenei stated: "Revenge is the demand of our nation and must certainly be carried out" [3]. Addressing his father, he wrote that the clean blood of his father and all the martyrs of the two recent wars would be taken back from the "criminal and dishonorable" killers [4].

Ambiguities Regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's Health A notable point in recent developments is Mojtaba Khamenei's continuous absence from public view. He has not been seen since the February attacks that killed his father, mother, and wife, and he did not even attend his father's funeral and burial ceremonies in Mashhad [6]. This has fueled widespread rumors about severe injuries or facial reconstruction during the air strikes. However, Iranian state media are attempting to maintain the authority of the new leadership by publishing written messages attributed to him [2]. In the recent message, he emphasized that the realization of revenge does not depend on his physical presence or that of other officials, and this divine mission will be carried out by the "freedom seekers of the world" [3].

International Tensions and Mutual Threats The publication of this vengeful message was met with a swift reaction from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump warned in a sharp response that any attempt to assassinate him or American officials would be met with a devastating response. Trump claimed that "1,000 missiles are ready to fire" at Iranian targets [5]. This rhetoric comes while the fragile ceasefire established in April between the two sides is on the verge of total collapse due to new clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman [2].

Target List and National Will for Revenge Iranian judicial and military officials, aligned with the new leader, have announced the preparation of a list of individuals wanted for the revenge operation. Mojtaba Khamenei claimed in his message that the perpetrators of this crime will take the wish for a peaceful death in their beds to their graves [1]. Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are attempting to prevent a new full-scale conflict by traveling to Tehran, but the tone of the statements issued by the Revolutionary Guard and the new leader's office indicates a deadlock in diplomatic negotiations [5].