From the New York Post: Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, allegedly released his first statement Thursday vowing to use the “lever” of closing the Strait of Hormuz to international energy shipping — after reports circulated that he was in a coma and had his leg amputated after being severely injured in the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father and other family members.
The lengthy message was read out on Iranian state TV by an anchor as an image of Khameni was displayed on screen. No explanation was provided for why the 56-year-old did not appear or read out his purported words.
“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” the supreme leader said. “The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.”
“Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it,” he added.
In the statement, Khamenei threatened to destroy Israeli and US assets, and vowed to continue targeting US military bases in the Middle East and closing the Strait of Hormuz.
“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency,” Khamenei’s statement declared.
Khamenei was reportedly injured in the first wave of attacks on February 28, which killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Just how badly he was injured is unclear. Some reports claimed he had a leg amputated and was in a coma. Other reports stated he suffered a fractured foot and facial injuries.
In addition to his father, Khamenei’s statement confirmed that his wife, one of his sisters, his niece, and the husband of his other sister died in the airstrike as well, the NY Post reported.
Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reported on Khamenei’s new statement Thursday morning.
The first statement from Iran’s new Supreme Leader. pic.twitter.com/Pat6gmA58T
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 12, 2026
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