Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Threatens to Kill Father, but Has Not Appeared in Public

JAKARTA - Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei threatened to avenge the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The threat came when Mojtaba had not been seen in public since his appointment on March 8.

Arab News quoted Sunday, July 12, saying the message was read on Iranian state television on Saturday. Since being injured in the attack that killed his father, there have been no photos, videos, or audio recordings of Mojtaba published.

In his first public message since Ali Khamenei's funeral series began a week ago, Mojtaba called retaliation a "popular demand" that "must be" carried out.

Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli air strike on February 28, when the war began.

"We swear to avenge the blood of the fallen leaders and all the martyrs in these two wars from the criminal and despicable killers," the statement read.

According to a number of senior sources quoted by Arab News, Mojtaba suffered serious facial injuries and other injuries in the attack. He has not been seen by the Iranian public since being appointed as supreme leader.

The statement confirms that retaliation does not only depend on Iran.

"Whether we are there or not, this will be implemented. In the near future, every free person in the world will take part in this holy mission," the statement said.

The threat was made when the continuation of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was again in doubt. Mutual attacks between the two countries' forces this week raised questions about the agreement aimed at ending the four-month war.

Iran has previously said the deal would ultimately bring major economic benefits.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said the ceasefire was over. However, he also said Washington and Tehran agreed to continue negotiations.

Mojtaba's absence from public life has added to the uncertainty in Iran. A number of Iranians believe that the new leader needs to appear, even if he is still injured.

Mojtaba is the supreme leader with the support of the Revolutionary Guard, an influential military and political force in Iran.

Ali Khamenei has led Iran for 37 years. State media said he was buried on Friday at the country's most important shrine after huge crowds attended his funeral.