Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issues a written message pledging revenge for the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his slain predecessor. The statement is published on his Telegram account and is linked to funeral ceremonies held months after Ali Khamenei was killed in what the reports describe as U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Multiple outlets report that Khamenei frames avenging his father as “the demand of the nation” and says it “must certainly” take place. Middle East Eye also reports language describing “revenge” as the will of the nation and refers to avenging “innocent blood” and the “martyrs” of “these two wars.” The message further thanks the large number of mourners who attended the funeral ceremonies, describing the turnout in terms of breaking an “enemy” and calling it “historic.” The outlets cite the message’s publication timing, noting it is part of the public remarks connected to Ali Khamenei’s funeral process.