Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed vengeance for the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In his first public message since funeral ceremonies for his father began a week earlier, Khamenei said avenging his father's death was a national demand and would be carried out. He also warned that those responsible for the killing had been identified and would face retaliation.
Renewed US-Iran Tensions Raise Questions Over Truce
The statement came after an exchange of attacks between US and Iranian forces raised doubts over a truce agreed between Washington and Tehran that was aimed at ending a four-month war. Iran has said the agreement would ultimately deliver significant economic benefits.
Despite the recent flare-up, US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire was over but said on Friday that the two countries had agreed to continue talks.
Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view since the air attack, with no photograph, video or audio recording of him published since then. His absence has contributed to uncertainty in Iran, with some Iranians calling for the new leader to make a public appearance even if he is injured.
He became supreme leader with the backing of the powerful Revolutionary Guards. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 37 years, was buried at the country's holiest shrine after large crowds gathered for his funeral.
(Reuters iinputs) |
