Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, declared a strengthened control of the Strait of Hormuz, making clear a hard-line stance toward the United States and Israel. Since his father's death, he has not appeared in public even once; on this day as well, he conveyed his position only through a statement.
On Apr. 9 (local time), in a statement released to mark the 40th day after the death of his predecessor and father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba said, "We will elevate the level of management and control of the Strait of Hormuz to a new dimension," adding, "We will hold to account, to the end, the aggressors who attacked Iran." He went on to stress, "We will demand compensation for the damage, and we will also certainly claim the price of the blood of the martyrs."
Regarding the current clashes, he argued, "The Iranian people achieved a decisive victory in the war against the United States and Israel." At the same time, he said, "We do not seek war, but we will not give up our legitimate rights," and noted that he would treat the "axis of resistance," referring to pro-Iran armed groups, as a single, integrated entity and respond accordingly.
He also delivered a message to Gulf region countries. Mojtaba said, "Neighboring countries must stand on the right side of history," adding, "We expect an appropriate response consistent with fraternity and goodwill." It is interpreted as effectively pressuring the Middle East to choose sides.
Mojtaba was elected supreme leader on Feb. 28, succeeding his father, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. However, he has not appeared in public since. The day marked the 40th day of mourning for his father's death, and large-scale memorial events were held in the capital, Tehran, and elsewhere. His first public appearance had been expected, but he ultimately did not show himself, and only his statement was released through state broadcaster IRIB and Press TV.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the acceptance of a cease-fire with the United States was a decision made with the approval of Mojtaba, the supreme leader, and by unanimous consent of the leadership. In a statement on Telegram, he argued, "The cease-fire is not a sign of Iran's weakness but a choice to consolidate victory," adding, "It is the result of more than a month of patience and support from the Iranian people."