Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel, demanding compensation—described as “blood money”—for damages and casualties resulting from recent hostilities.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei declared that Iran would not relent in holding those he described as “criminal aggressors” accountable.
“By the grace of God, we will certainly not let go of the criminal aggressors who attacked our country,” he said.
“We will undoubtedly demand compensation for every single damage inflicted, the blood money of the martyrs, and the diyah of the war-wounded.”
The remarks signal a hardening of Iran’s position amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly following reported U.S.-led strikes and growing military activity around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei emphasized that while Iran is not actively seeking war, it would not compromise on what it considers its legitimate rights.
“Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights and considers all resistance fronts as a unified entity,” he stated, referencing Tehran’s network of regional allies and proxy groups.
He further hinted at potential shifts in Iran’s approach to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
“We will take the management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase,” he warned, without elaborating on what such a move would entail.
The Supreme Leader also called on pro-Iranian supporters to mobilize publicly, suggesting that demonstrations could influence ongoing geopolitical negotiations.
“Your voices raised in public squares have an impact on the outcome of negotiations,” he said.
In addition, Khamenei extended a message to neighboring countries, urging what he described as a show of regional solidarity.
“We are still awaiting an appropriate reaction from our southern neighbours so that we can show you our brotherhood,” he added.
The statement comes at a time of increasing strain between Iran and Western powers, particularly the United States, under President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Washington has been pressing its allies to take a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
The issue has also exposed divisions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Speaking in Washington, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged that some member states had been slow to respond to U.S. actions involving Iran.
Rutte, however, praised Trump’s leadership, describing it as “bold” and “visionary,” while also recognizing the U.S. president’s frustration with the pace of support from European allies.
According to reports, Trump has issued a firm ultimatum to NATO partners—deploy naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz or risk a reduction in American support for the alliance.
The developments underscore growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a focal point of potential confrontation. Analysts warn that any disruption in the waterway could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and international trade.
As diplomatic and military pressures mount, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns rising over the possibility of further escalation in an already volatile region.
