Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stern warning in his first address to the nation following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He termed Khamenei's assassination as a "declaration of war against Muslims" and stated that taking revenge from those responsible is Iran's "legitimate duty and right".

In his first address to the nation, Pezeshkian said that Iranian armed forces will continue to launch "powerful attacks" on enemy strongholds. He called Khamenei a "martyr" and said the country will move forward in his footsteps.

Announcement of New Leadership Council
The president also confirmed that a "new leadership council" overseeing governance during the transitional period has taken power. He appealed to the public to unite in mosques and on streets to thwart enemy plots.

Meanwhile, Iran announced new attacks on US military bases in the Gulf region and Iraqi Kurdistan. Ali Larijani, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the armed forces will teach the perpetrators of the attacks an "unforgettable lesson".

Notably, Pezeshkian was elected in 2024 as a reformist candidate. In his first address to the UN General Assembly in September 2024, he emphasized "national unity" and "constructive dialogue with the world". At the time, he said Iran did not want nuclear weapons and was willing to reduce tensions with Western countries.

However, in his first address, the Iranian president's stance appeared entirely defensive and retaliatory. Amid rising military tensions in the region and news of the Supreme Leader's death, Iran has clearly indicated that it will not back down from retaliatory action.