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Donald Trump breaks silence after Iran's new supreme leader releases first statement
Donald Trump has broken his silence after Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first public statement since taking power.
The 56-year-old delivered his first message after assuming leadership following the death of his father during the early stages of the war with the United States and Israel.
The statement was broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday (March 11), with a news anchor reading the message while an image of Khamenei appeared on screen.
No explanation was given for why he did not appear in person.
Iran Vows Revenge and Threatens Global Shipping Route
In the address, Khamenei vowed revenge for those killed in the conflict and warned that Iran would continue to escalate its response.
"I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," the supreme leader said, per CBS News. "The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the revolution [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge."
Khamenei also praised Iranian forces for continuing to fight during the conflict.
"Our sincere thanks go to our brave fighters who, at a time when our nation and beloved homeland have been unjustly attacked by the leaders of the front of arrogance, have blocked the enemy’s path with their powerful blows and dispelled their illusion of being able to dominate our beloved country or possibly divide it," he said.
The new leader warned that Iran would seek compensation from its enemies, referring to the United States and Israel.
"If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent," he said.
Khamenei also signaled that Iran may continue using one of its most powerful geopolitical tools: "The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well.
"Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency," he added.
Leader Addresses Deaths In His Family
Khamenei acknowledged that several members of his family were killed in the airstrikes that also killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The new leader confirmed that his wife, one of his sisters, his niece, and the husband of his other sister died in the attack.
"I had the honor of seeing his body after his martyrdom," he said of his father. "What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness, and I was told that the fist of his intact hand had been clenched."
The statement comes after rumors circulated that the leader had been severely injured during the strikes.
An Iranian source told The Sun that Khamenei had suffered major injuries and was undergoing treatment at Sina University Hospital in Tehran.
"One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well," the source alleged.
Other Iranian sources have disputed those claims, saying he suffered minor injuries, including a fractured foot, a bruised eye, and facial cuts, and is currently sheltering in a secure location.
Khamenei has not appeared publicly since he was appointed as his father’s successor and was notably absent from his own succession rally in Tehran earlier this week.
Trump responds to the statement
Following the broadcast of Khamenei’s message, Trump issued a response on Truth Social addressing the ongoing conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
"The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is [stopping] an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World. I won’t ever let that happen!”
His comments come after he recently claimed that he could end the war whenever he chooses.
"Any time I want it to end, it will end," adding: "The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period."