‘Martyrs’ blood to be avenged’: Snippets from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s first message

By Press TV Website Staff

In his first message to the Iranian nation on Thursday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, spelt out his strategic vision for the country.

He opened his message offering condolences to Imam Mahdi (ajtf) on the martyrdom of his predecessor, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, acknowledging the immense weight of assuming a responsibility once occupied by two towering figures.

Emphasizing continuity over disruption, he invoked the Quranic principle that divine blessings, when taken, are replaced by something similar or better – pointing to the "Ammar-like presence" of the Iranian people as that replacement.

The message outlined key directives for the Iranian nation: unwavering trust in God, preservation of unity, sustained presence on all fronts, and help for one another.

Addressing the armed forces, he praised their courage, affirmed continued resistance against the enemy, and announced preparations for opening new fronts in the imposed war.

To the wounded and bereaved, he vowed personal empathy from his own profound losses and declared unequivocally: "We will not abandon avenging the blood of your martyrs."

Here are the snippets from his message:

Salutations and condolences

• Opened with a Quranic verse (2:106) on divine replacement of signs with something better or similar.
• Conveyed salutations to Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) and offered condolences to him on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
• Requested Imam Mahdi's prayers for the Iranian nation, all Muslims, servants of Islam, self-sacrificers, survivors of martyrs (especially from the recent war), and for himself.

Address to the nation: His position on the Assembly of Experts' vote

• Learned of his election as Leader of the Islamic Revolution through state media (IRIB), simultaneously with the public.
• Acknowledged the immense difficulty of assuming a position once occupied by Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei.
• Described the martyred Leader as a radiant gem forged through 60+ years of struggle, unique in the Iranian nation's history.
• Recounted visiting the Leader's body after martyrdom, describing it as a "mountain of fortitude" with fist clenched.
• Stated that bridging the gap left by such a figure requires divine assistance and the people's support.

The central role of the people

• Highlighted the martyred Leader's "art" of involving the people in all arenas and relying on their strength.
• Stated that the martyred Leader actualized the true meaning of "republic" and republicanism.
• Noted that the nation's insight, intelligence, steadfastness, and courage during the recent days drew admiration from friends and astonishment from foes.
• Declared that it was the people who led the country and guaranteed its authority during the ongoing crisis.
• Interpreted the opening Quranic verse as meaning that when a great blessing (the Leader) was taken, it was replaced by the "Ammar-like presence" of the Iranian nation.
• Cautioned that without the people's power manifesting on the scene, neither the Leadership nor any institution can function effectively.

Directives for the nation

• Remembrance and Trust in God: Remember God, trust in Him, and seek intercession through the Infallibles as the "supreme elixir" guaranteeing victory over the enemy.
• Preserve Unity: Safeguard national unity, especially in times of hardship, by setting aside points of disagreement.
• Maintain Effective Presence: Remain present on all fronts – social, political, educational, cultural, and security – as demonstrated during the war. Stressed the importance of Quds Day this year as an occasion to "break the enemy."
• Mutual Assistance: Continue the Iranian tradition of helping one another, especially as some face harsher conditions. Called on service agencies to aid both individuals and popular relief structures.

Address to the armed forces

• Thanked the courageous Iranian armed forces for blocking the enemy's path with crushing blows and dispelling enemy delusions of dominating or partitioning Iran.
• Stated the people's demand is for "effective and regret-inducing defense."
• Affirmed that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.
• Announced that studies have been conducted on opening new fronts where the enemy lacks experience and is vulnerable; activation will occur if the war continues and based on expediency.
• Thanked fighters of the Resistance Front (Hezbollah, Iraq and others), calling them Iran's best friends and resistance an inseparable part of Islamic Revolution values.
• Stated that solidarity within the Resistance Front shortens the path to deliverance from the "Zionist sedition."

Address to martyrs' families and wounded

• Expressed profound condolences based on personal loss, revealing he has lost his father, his wife, his sister, her young child, and his brother-in-law.
• Cited the divine promise of great reward for the patient as the key to enduring afflictions.
• Vowed unequivocally: "We will not abandon avenging the blood of your martyrs."
• Clarified that revenge is not only for the Leader's martyrdom but for every single Iranian martyred by the enemy.
• Stated that while limited revenge has been taken, the file will remain open until complete. Emphasized special sensitivity regarding the blood of infants and children.
• Specifically highlighted the deliberate crime against the Shajareh Tayyibeh School in Minab and similar cases as holding special status.
• Mandated that veterans of these attacks receive free, appropriate medical treatment and other benefits.
• Ordered sufficient and defined measures to compensate for financial damages to homes and personal property, declaring this an "obligatory duty" for officials, who must report back to him.
• Declared that Iran will exact reparations from the enemy; if refused, they will seize equivalent assets, or if not possible, destroy equivalent property.

Address to regional countries

• Noted that Iran shares borders with 15 countries and seeks warm, constructive relations with all these countries.
• Slammed the enemy (US) for gradually establishing military and financial bases in some regional countries over many years to secure dominance.
• Stated that during the recent aggression, some bases were used, and Iran targeted only those bases – not the countries themselves – as previously warned.
• Warned that Iran will, by necessity, continue this practice while still maintaining friendly ties with neighbors.
• Called on these countries to clarify their position regarding the aggressors against Iran and the murderers of its people.
• Advised them to close US bases immediately, as America's claim of establishing security and peace is a lie.
• Suggested this would strengthen their bonds with their own people (who resent alignment with the "front of disbelief") and increase their wealth and power.
• Reaffirmed Iran's full readiness for unity and warm mutual relations with all neighbors, without seeking domination or colonialism.

Address to the martyred Leader

• Addressed the martyred Leader directly, acknowledging the heavy wound left by his departure.
• Noted the Leader’s lifelong yearning for martyrdom, which was granted while reciting the Quran on the morning of the 10th of Ramadan.
• Praised his powerful forbearance in enduring oppressions without complaint.
• Acknowledged that many did not recognize his true worth, and perhaps time must pass for its dimensions to become clear.
• Expressed hope that, in his proximity to God and the saints, he will continue to intercede for the progress of Iran and the Resistance Front nations.
• Pledged to strive with all his being to elevate the "banner of truth" and achieve his sacred goals.

Acknowledgements

• Thanked top clerics, cultural/political/social figures, and the people who participated in magnificent gatherings to renew allegiance to the system.
• Thanked officials of the three branches of government and the Interim Leadership Council for their sound measures amid the war.
• Hoped for divine grace to encompass all Iranians, all Muslims, and the oppressed worldwide during these blessed days.

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