Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Revenge for Father’s Death Amid Tensions Over Hormuz Strait

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s son and current de facto decision-maker, issued a written statement on Saturday declaring that avenging his father Ali Khamenei’s death is an imperative duty for the Iranian people. He emphasized that the revenge will be carried out regardless of his or other senior leaders’ presence, stating, "Whether we are here or not, the revenge will be fulfilled." This declaration follows the burial of Ali Khamenei on Thursday and comes amid ongoing reports of US-Iran negotiations.

An Iranian source told Fars News Agency that Iran will not engage in any talks unless the United States withdraws its positions. Mojtaba described the unjust bloodshed as sparking a spiritual revival among Iranians and pledged to avenge the pure blood of his father and others killed in recent conflicts. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Muscat, Oman, to discuss arrangements for safe passage of ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Al-Hadath network sources reported that Washington has urged mediators to warn Iran against disrupting freedom of navigation, threatening military escalation if Iran fails to comply. Earlier, CBS reported that Tehran contacted Washington and New Delhi, admitting a mistake in attacks on civilian tankers near Hormuz, attributing the strikes to rogue elements rather than official orders. Araghchi stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Iran has upheld its commitments so far, blaming the US for violations.

The Trump administration demands Iran publicly acknowledge the attacks, viewing them as clear breaches of a memorandum of understanding. White House officials told The Wall Street Journal that a nuclear deal is unlikely through diplomacy alone, citing Iran’s inability to meet agreement terms. They also revealed that Iran must publicly commit not to attack vessels in Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if the strait remains closed by Saturday evening.

On Tuesday, Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is the central figure currently making decisions in Iran, operating from hiding and effectively acting as Supreme Leader. Sources suggest he recently decided on Iran’s willingness to accept a ceasefire. Despite his influential role, Mojtaba has not appeared publicly, reportedly due to plastic surgeries altering his appearance.