TEHRAN: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said that Iran is targeting neighboring countries only because of the presence of American military bases, insisting that Tehran’s attacks are directed solely at US military installations.
In his first audio message, Khamenei said Iran was determined to defeat its enemies and that the Iranian people had demonstrated to the world that they are a great nation.
He also stated that Iran may keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to increase pressure on its adversaries.
“We will avenge the blood of our martyrs,” Khamenei said, while emphasizing that Tehran believes in maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries. He insisted that Iran was only targeting American bases located in Arab states.
Khamenei warned that attacks would continue as long as US military bases remained in the region, calling for their immediate closure.
According to Al Jazeera, Khamenei also said Iran needs to improve its relations with neighboring countries despite the ongoing tensions.
His message came amid reports that Iran has launched missile and drone strikes across the region, claiming the attacks were aimed at American military assets.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that Khamenei warned the United States and Israel that they would have to “pay compensation” for their actions. Without naming the countries directly, he referred to them as “the enemy.”
In a statement broadcast on state television by an anchor, Khamenei said Iran would seek compensation from its adversaries, adding that if compensation could not be obtained, Iran would destroy their assets to the same extent that its own had been damaged.
The Iranian leader also offered financial compensation to those affected by Iranian strikes, saying injured people would receive free medical treatment and that those who suffered losses would be provided financial assistance.
