Mojtaba Khamenei pledges revenge for father’s death as tensions with US escalate

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed that the country will retaliate for the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes, escalating tensions with Washington just hours after President Donald Trump threatened severe military action over any assassination plot against him.

The latest exchange of warnings follows renewed military strikes this week that have placed a fragile ceasefire agreement under increasing pressure.

In his first public statement since assuming office and following his father’s funeral, Mojtaba Khamenei said revenge was inevitable.

“Vengeance is the will of our nation and must inevitably be carried out.”

He added that Iran’s planned response would not depend on any single leader.

“This matter depends neither on my personal existence nor on that of other officials. Whether we are present or not, it will come to pass.”

According to the statement, Iran has already prepared a list of individuals it intends to target.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social earlier on Saturday, warned that any attempt to assassinate him would provoke a massive military response.

“1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran… Orders have already been given, and the US Military is ready, willing, and able… to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran.”

Meanwhile, mediators are working to preserve diplomatic channels after this week’s escalation threatened ongoing negotiations.

Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that a delegation from Qatar visited Tehran to reinforce mediation efforts, while Pakistan has also continued diplomatic engagement with both sides.

Although Trump said talks with Iran would continue, he dismissed them as “a waste of time.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, insisted Tehran had complied with its obligations under the recent memorandum of understanding.

“Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance.”

Another major point of disagreement remains the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to insist on controlling commercial navigation through the strategic waterway following its wartime closure, while the United States has demanded the restoration of unrestricted maritime passage.

As diplomatic efforts continue, both Washington and Tehran have maintained firm positions, raising concerns about the prospect of renewed confrontation despite international calls for restraint.

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