Iran's Leader Vows Revenge for Father's Death

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, threatened in a written statement on Saturday to exact harsh revenge for the death of his predecessor and father. In his first public address since the start of the funeral ceremonies, which was read on state television, he described retribution as an uncompromising demand of the entire nation.

"Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission", he said.

The previous leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died on 28 February in a US-Israeli airstrike.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who took power on 8 March with the support of the Revolutionary Guards, has not appeared in public since the attack. According to sources, he suffered serious injuries and facial disfigurement. The absence of photographs or video footage is deepening uncertainty in the country, with the public demanding that he make an appearance.

Furthermore, attacks between the US and Iran escalated this week, disrupting a ceasefire aimed at ending the four-month war. Although US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over, he confirmed that both countries had agreed to continue talks.

The new leader's statement came just one day after his father was laid to rest in the country's holiest shrine following mass funeral ceremonies.

(Reuters, Max)