Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday marked 40 days since late supreme leader’s death, calling attacks a “grave crime” and warning of retribution amid regional tensions and Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday said that the country is resolute in seeking revenge for the killing of late supreme leader and other martyrs, marking 40 days since the event, a period of deep religious significance in Iran.

Describing the killing as a “grave act by enemies of Iran and Islam,” Khamenei wrote on X, “Forty days have passed since the dreadful crime of enemies of Islam & Iran, the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Leader of the Islamic Ummah and truth seekers, and Master of martyrs of Iran & Resistance, the Great.”

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Forty days have passed since the dreadful crime of enemies of Islam & Iran, the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Leader of the Islamic Ummah and truth seekers, and Master of martyrs of Iran & Resistance, the Great #Khamenei.

— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) April 9, 2026

In a separate statement, delivered via official channels rather than a public appearance, Mojatab signalled a shift in Iran’s stance over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran will seek retribution for attacks on it, will take management of Strait of Hormuz into a new phase. Iran is resolute in taking revenge of its late Supreme Leader and its ‘martyrs’,” the state television broadcast reported.

Khamenei’s remarks come amid renewed regional tensions, coinciding with Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Thursday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised the attacks on X, calling them a “clear violation of the ceasefire” and “an indication of deception and a lack of commitment to agreements.”

He warned that continued strikes could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and cautioned that such actions may prompt Iran to take serious measures in response.

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The 40-day mourning period, observed with remembrance events and public gatherings in Iran, highlights the religious and political weight of Khamenei’s statement, reflecting Tehran’s firm stance in the region amid ongoing tensions with Israel and its allies.

With inputs from agencies

First Published:
April 10, 2026, 00:39 IST

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