Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, gives first public speech

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public speech since assuming office.

The speech was delivered on Thursday through Iranian state television, where a presenter read it. Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear on television personally during the broadcast.

In the speech, he said the Iranian regime had thwarted attempts to divide the country and maintained that Iran must continue targeting United States military bases located in neighbouring countries.

He further stated that all U.S. bases in the region should be closed immediately, adding that Iran should continue to use the leverage provided by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

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The development comes a few days after Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, said the country’s new Supreme Leader was safe following reports that he had been injured.

He disclosed this in a post on the messaging platform Telegram, explaining that he had sought confirmation after hearing claims about the alleged injury.

“I asked several friends who had relevant contacts, and they said that: by the grace of God, he is safe and there is no problem,” he said.

Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s Supreme Leader after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the campaign involving the United States and Israel.

(CBS News)