Mujtaba Khamenei's First Speech After Becoming Iran's Supreme Leader
March 12, 2026
• The speech was broadcast by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting
• Only audio was released, no public appearance
Main Statements:
• "Iran will demand compensation from its enemies."
• Iran will "take revenge for the blood of martyrs at any cost."
• Calls on regional countries to close US military bases.
• Seeks friendly relations with neighboring countries, with attacks targeting only US bases.
Compensation / Retaliation Threats
• "We will demand compensation from our enemies."
• "If they refuse, we will seize their assets."
• "If this is not feasible, we will destroy equivalent assets."
Hormuz Strait:
• Calls for continued closure of the Hormuz Strait.
• Will use the closure of the strait as a means to pressure enemies.
Comments: The new Iranian leader only spoke via audio, reflecting potential risks to his personal safety and a more cautious approach. The vows of compensation and retaliation are a way to address domestic public opinion and hardliners. Calling on regional countries to close US military bases while expressing willingness to maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries aims to avoid full-scale confrontation with the region and try to isolate the United States. Insisting on blocking the Hormuz Strait essentially uses global energy routes as a geopolitical bargaining chip. In the short term, it will escalate regional tensions, push up oil prices and military risks, but does not completely close diplomatic space. Overall, this statement is a stabilizing move during the power transition period, and the Middle East situation remains in a dangerous balance of high confrontation and low de-escalation.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859464908495178/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself