Iranian Media Amplifies Khamenei’s Vow of Revenge, Calls for Attacks on Israel
Following the death of Ali Khamenei’s father, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed certain revenge, sparking a coordinated media campaign across Iranian state-affiliated newspapers on July 12, 2026. The front pages prominently featured calls for retaliation against the United States and Israel, with explicit threats targeting American bases in the region and Israeli infrastructure.
Kayhan, the regime’s official mouthpiece, dedicated its entire front page to the message that "revenge is the demand of the people and will definitely be carried out." The paper included images from Ali Khamenei’s funeral showing signs in English stating "We Will Kill Trump." Kayhan’s editor, Hossein Shariatmadari, justified ongoing attacks on U.S. bases and urged expanding strikes to Israel, labeling it the "attack dog" of the U.S. and a legitimate target due to its close ties with America and regional Arab states hosting U.S. forces.
Other conservative outlets such as Mashregh and Asrar Iranian echoed the vow, emphasizing the inevitability of revenge and quoting Mojtaba Khamenei’s promise not to allow the killers to "die peacefully in their beds." Asrar Iranian’s front page featured images of U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Gulf leaders, linking them as targets. Jam-e Jam newspaper included the phrase "Revenge Soon" in Hebrew, Persian, and English, highlighting the intent to send a direct message to Israel and international audiences.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf tweeted a stern warning that the era of unilateral agreements is over and urged adversaries to keep their promises or face consequences. The media campaign underscores Tehran’s escalating rhetoric and signals a potential intensification of hostile actions against U.S. and Israeli interests in the region.
Summary: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed revenge for his father’s death, prompting Iranian state media to call for attacks on U.S. bases and Israel. Newspapers like Kayhan and Jam-e Jam amplified threats against Trump, Netanyahu, and Gulf leaders, while Iranian officials warned adversaries to heed their commitments or face retaliation. This coordinated media campaign signals heightened tensions and possible future strikes.
