Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday made a chilling promise of revenge, saying those responsible for the death of Iran’s leader and people in the past two wars, which include the assassination of his father and other Iranians, “will not die a natural death in bed.”
In a new message, shared by Iran’s state-controlled media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on X, the younger Khamenei said that the revenge for the killings in recent conflicts does not depend on him or on any other officials.
“This revenge will be realised whether we are here or not,” he said.
They have a list of “criminals” who were involved in the deaths, he added, warning that their end would not be peaceful.
“Soon, liberated and free souls across the globe will each carry out a portion of this revenge and divine mission against the killers of our leader and the murderers of the martyrs of the two recent wars,” added Mojtaba.
The strong message comes amid heightened tensions after the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes earlier this year in February. It has raised concerns of Iranian retaliation and closely follows long-standing threats against US.
Trump’s assassination plot claims
The timing of these strong-worded threats is particularly sensitive as it adds fuel to US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of Iranian assassination plots targeting him.
Recent reports, including warnings from Israel, suggest Iran has developed fresh plans to target Trump, with public chants and banners at Khamenei’s funeral explicitly calling for his death.
Earlier today, US President Donald Trump issued a warning, saying he directly addressed Iran’s latest threats. In a Truth Social post, he said, “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME! Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran – PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!”
Mojtaba Khamenei’s statement reinforces the regime’s determination to pursue those it holds responsible, framing the revenge as an unstoppable national imperative that will be carried out regardless of leadership changes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s statements came against the backdrop of Iran’s continued public mourning and the recent funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Renewed US-Iran conflict
Meanwhile tensions between Iran and US escalated last week after reprots of Iran striking three ships in the Strait of Hormuz including a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker.
US retaliated with strikes on over 170 Iranian military targets, including air defences, missile sites, and positions near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by attacking US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the ceasefire with Iran is over following a sharp escalation in strikes, even as Washington agreed to continue diplomatic talks with Tehran.In a Truth Social post, Trump stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!”
Despite the collapse of last month’s fragile ceasefire, both sides appear keen to keep diplomatic channels open, with Qatari mediators actively involved. The situation remains volatile, with military pressure continuing alongside negotiations over key issues like the Strait of Hormuz.
