Iran’s Supreme Leader pledges revenge for slain father and predecessor
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has publicly pledged to avenge the death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei. The former leader was killed during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes earlier this year.
Why it matters
This declaration signals a potential escalation in regional tensions and ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said on Saturday (July 11, 2026) that avenging his slain predecessor and father was “the demand of the nation” and “must certainly” take place, according to a written message released on his Telegram account.
Mr. Khamenei issued the message on the occasion of funeral ceremonies for his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, held months after he was killed in the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
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