Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Revenge for Father's Death; Trump Warns Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has promised revenge for the death of his father, longtime Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Khamenei was buried this week in the holy city of Mashhad. He was killed on February 28 in an Israeli airstrike that marked the start of the US-Israel war against Iran.

In a written message published by Iranian state media, Mojtaba Khamenei said: "We promise to avenge the innocent blood of our martyr leader and all martyrs of both wars, taking revenge against the criminal and disgraceful murderers." He added: "Revenge is the demand of our nation, and it will certainly be carried out. Soon, free people around the world will carry out part of this divine mission."

The 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen or heard in public since his father's assassination, and media speculation suggests he may be seriously injured. He did not attend any of the week-long funeral events; all statements have been issued in writing.

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to attempt to kill him, after posters calling for the death of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were displayed during Khamenei's funeral. Trump also emphasized that he has ordered the US military to completely destroy Iran if he is killed.

Ali Khamenei, who died at age 86, had effectively ruled Iran since 1989 following the death of Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini.