Iran's New Supreme Leader Vows Revenge After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Buried at Imam Reza Shrine

Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been laid to rest at the revered Imam Reza Shrine, one of the country's holiest religious sites. Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, did not attend his father's funeral due to security concerns.

Breaking his public silence on Saturday, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement through his Telegram account, vowing to avenge the killing of his father. He described retaliation for the death of the late Supreme Leader as "the nation's demand" and said it would "certainly" be carried out.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried several months after he was reportedly killed in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike on February 28. Following his father's death, Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded him as Iran's Supreme Leader. However, the 56-year-old leader has remained out of public view since assuming office because of security concerns.

In his statement, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to seek justice for those killed in the conflict.

"We pledge to take revenge for the blood of our martyred leader and all the martyrs of this war from those criminal and disgraced murderers," he said.

He added, "Whether we live to see it or not, this goal will be achieved. Very soon, freedom-seeking people across the world will each play their part in fulfilling this divine mission."