Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public address after taking office, declaring that all American military bases in the Middle East would be destroyed and announcing the start of what he described as a «jihad.»

In his speech, Khamenei urged Iranian citizens to preserve national unity and avoid internal divisions. He stressed that during a difficult period for the country, public debate over controversial issues should be set aside in order to maintain cohesion.

The new leader also insisted that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed. At the same time, he made clear that Iran would not abandon its vow to avenge what he called the «blood of the martyrs," specifically referring to those killed in the strike on Minab.

According to Khamenei, Tehran seeks to maintain friendly relations with neighboring countries and directs its strikes solely at military facilities. However, he signaled that military operations would continue.

He concluded the address by thanking Iranian military personnel for their role in the ongoing fighting.

Earlier, Iran’s Assembly of Experts confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. He assumed the position following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On the morning of February 28, the United States, together with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran. Strikes targeted several cities across the Islamic Republic, including Tehran. In response, Iran carried out missile strikes and deployed drones against targets in Israel as well as American air bases across the Middle East.