NEWS DESK (MNN); Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first major public statement outlining Tehran’s stance on regional security, relations with neighbouring countries, and the ongoing confrontation with the United States.
In his address, Khamenei warned that all American military bases in the region should be shut down immediately or they would remain targets of Iranian attacks. He stated that Iran’s military actions were focused specifically on United States military facilities operating on the soil of neighbouring countries.
The Iranian leader emphasised that Tehran still seeks positive and constructive relations with its neighbours, insisting that Iran does not intend to target those countries but rather the United States presence in the region.
Khamenei also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a pressure tool against Iran’s enemies. The narrow waterway is considered one of the world’s most critical routes for global oil shipments.
Referring to recent hostilities, Khamenei said Iran would continue its struggle to avenge what he described as the blood of its martyrs, including the slain former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and civilians, including children, who were killed in attacks during the conflict.
He praised Iran’s armed forces for defending the country and preventing what he described as attempts to weaken or divide the nation. Khamenei acknowledged the sacrifices made by the military and announced plans for financial and social support for families and individuals affected by the war.
The new supreme leader also called for unity among Iranians, urging citizens to overcome internal differences during what he described as a critical period for the country.
Despite escalating tensions, Khamenei said Iran must work toward improving relations with neighbouring states. His comments came after Iran launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in the region, which Tehran said were aimed at United States military assets.
Khamenei also announced relief measures for civilians affected by the conflict. He stated that all wounded individuals would receive free medical treatment, while people whose homes or businesses were damaged would receive financial compensation.
Meanwhile, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, issued a strong warning to Washington in response to threats by United States President Donald Trump to target Iran’s electricity infrastructure.
Larijani said that if the United States attacks Iran’s power network, it could plunge the entire region into darkness.
In a post on X, he referred to Trump’s statement that Washington could dismantle Iran’s electricity capacity within an hour but had not done so yet.
Larijani responded by warning that if such an attack occurs, the consequences would be severe. “If they do that, the whole region will go dark in less than half an hour, and darkness would provide an opportunity to hunt down US servicemen seeking safety,” he said.
Earlier, President Trump had indicated that the United States had so far refrained from targeting Iran’s electricity production facilities but warned that such sites could become targets if Tehran attempted to disrupt global oil supplies.
Analysts say the statements reflect growing tensions in the Middle East and highlight the possibility of further escalation between Iran and the United States.
