Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The new Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has revealed that the recent war claimed the lives of his father and wife, vowing that those responsible for the killings would be avenged.
In his first public address since assuming leadership, broadcast on state television, Khamenei spoke about the deep personal and national losses suffered during the conflict and urged Iranians to remain united in the face of adversity.
Among those killed, he said, was his father, the former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, describing the tragedy as one that mirrors the pain being experienced by many families across the country.
“I lost my father, I lost my wife. My sister also lost her child and her husband, who was martyred,” Khamenei said.
He noted that the suffering was not limited to his family but reflected the grief of countless Iranian citizens who lost loved ones in the war.
According to him, faith in God and patience would help the nation endure the difficult period.
“What makes it easier for us to endure these plights is trusting in the grace of God and knowing that patience will resolve it,” he stated.
The Iranian leader also praised citizens from different walks of life who stood firm during the conflict, describing their resilience as a source of national strength.
However, he warned that Iran would not allow the deaths of its leaders and citizens to go unanswered.
“I assure everyone that we will not ignore the fact that we are going to avenge our martyrs,” he said.
Khamenei also called on the Iranian people to preserve national unity, stressing that solidarity among citizens would be critical in rebuilding the country after the war.
