Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Calls For 'Revenge', Cites Minab School Bombing

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 08:26 IST

Khamenei reiterated Tehran intends to maintain pressure on its adversaries through strategic tools such as the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has signalled that Tehran’s retaliation for recent strikes will be broad, prolonged and directed at avenging every Iranian death — including civilians and children. In a series of messages and statements released through his official platform, Khamenei emphasised that revenge for the victims of the conflict has become a central priority for Iran’s leadership.

According to his statement, the retaliation campaign will not be limited to senior political or military figures killed during the war. Instead, Khamenei framed every Iranian casualty as a separate case demanding justice. “Every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes an independent subject in the file of vengeance," he said, stressing that Iran’s response would continue until the objective of revenge is fully achieved.

The message strongly emphasised the deaths of civilians, particularly women and children. Khamenei highlighted the reported attack on the Shajarah Tayyibah School in Minab as one of the most symbolic crimes of the conflict, saying such incidents hold “special status" in Iran’s revenge narrative. Iranian messaging portrays the incident as a defining example of the civilian suffering caused by the war and a key reason for Tehran’s continued retaliation.

At the same time, the Iranian leader praised what Tehran calls the “Axis of Resistance" — a network of allied groups across the region. Khamenei publicly thanked organisations such as Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi movement, and Iraqi resistance groups for supporting Iran during the conflict. He described cooperation among these forces as essential to confronting what he called the “Zionist sedition" and strengthening the broader resistance front in the region.

The statement also carried a clear warning to regional states hosting American military installations. Khamenei argued that some of these bases had been used in operations against Iran and said Tehran had already targeted such facilities while avoiding attacks on the countries hosting them. He urged regional governments to close foreign military bases, warning that they could continue to face attacks if they remain operational.

Another key element of the message was Iran’s broader strategy in the ongoing confrontation. Khamenei reiterated that Tehran intends to maintain pressure on its adversaries through strategic tools such as the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. He said the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used" to pressure Iran’s enemies.

While hinting that some retaliatory actions may already be underway, Khamenei made it clear that the campaign is far from over. He warned that the “file of vengeance" will remain open until Iran believes its objectives have been fully achieved. The messaging also suggests that Tehran may seek compensation from its enemies for damage inflicted during the war — and if that is not granted, Iran could attempt to seize or destroy equivalent assets.

Taken together, the statement reflects a broader messaging strategy from Iran’s leadership aimed at demonstrating resolve, rallying domestic support, and signalling to regional governments that the confrontation could expand. By emphasising civilian casualties and highlighting symbolic incidents like the Minab school attack, Tehran appears to be framing the conflict in moral and emotional terms while preparing its population and allies for a potentially prolonged phase of retaliation.

News world Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Calls For 'Revenge', Cites Minab School Bombing

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