By Dwayne Ferreira.
Iran revenge rallies have entered a new phase after Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei renewed his promise to avenge his father’s killing and authorities ordered pro-government crowds to remain on the streets.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei intensified his calls for revenge over the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the same time, Iranian authorities moved to sustain government-backed demonstrations across the country.
In a written message broadcast by Iranian state television on Saturday, Mojtaba described revenge for his father and others killed during the war as a demand of the Iranian nation.
He said vengeance “must certainly” be carried out. He also portrayed it as a religious and national duty that would continue regardless of whether individual Iranian officials remained alive.
However, Iran’s new leader delivered the statement in writing instead of appearing before the public.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the war began on February 28. Iran has released no verified video or audio recording of him since he assumed office. His absence has fuelled continuing speculation about his health and his ability to exercise authority.
Reports have suggested that the strike that killed his father also seriously injured him. However, Iranian authorities have disclosed few details about his condition.
Iran Revenge Rallies Ordered to Continue
As Mojtaba renewed his pledge, Iranian authorities reportedly instructed pro-government street gatherings to continue until the supreme leader personally orders them to stop.
Iran’s state-run ISNA news agency carried the directive. Its report described those taking part in the demonstrations as Iran’s “summoned people.”
According to ISNA, authorities said the gatherings had expanded with Mojtaba Khamenei’s approval and guidance.
Credit: Arezoo / Getty Images
The order effectively places the demonstrations under the supreme leader’s authority. It also presents Mojtaba as the only person who can end the national mobilisation.
Participants have carried Iranian flags and portraits of the late Ali Khamenei. Crowds have also called for retaliation against the United States and Israel.
Revenge Warning Reaches Beyond Iran
Mojtaba Khamenei’s statement also suggested that Iranian retaliation may not remain limited to direct military action by Tehran.
He said “free people around the world” would each carry out part of what he described as a divine mission to avenge those killed.
That deliberately broad language could appeal to Iran-aligned groups, intelligence operatives or individual supporters outside the country.
Credit: Arezoo/ Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images
Trump Warns Iran of Massive Retaliation
The Iranian warning came as Trump issued an extraordinary threat of his own.
The US president said he had ordered the military to prepare to “decimate and destroy” Iran if Tehran attempted to assassinate him.
Trump claimed that 1,000 missiles stood ready to strike Iran and that thousands more could follow.
The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the number of missiles Trump cited. It has also not disclosed details of any standing military order.
Moreover, an attack launched after the death of a US president would require a decision by the succeeding commander in chief. Such an operation would not occur automatically.
