Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first televised address on Thursday (12 March), issuing sharp warnings to Israel and the United States, while signalling that armed groups in Yemen and Iraq may soon take coordinated action in support of Tehran.
Speaking from Tehran, Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue its struggle amid rising tensions in the Middle East. He declared that the country would seek retribution for the “blood of martyrs” lost in ongoing conflicts.
“We will continue our struggle,” he said, warning Israel and the United States that Iran would not yield under pressure. His comments come amid escalating hostilities involving multiple state and non-state actors in the region.
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Regional Armed Groups Ready to Act
Khamenei suggested that militias aligned with Iran’s ideological and political agenda could be mobilised if instructed. Fighters in Yemen and Iraq, he said, remain prepared to “fulfil their responsibilities,” signalling potential coordinated operations.
Observers interpret his remarks as a reference to the Houthi movement in Yemen, known for targeting strategic shipping lanes and military assets. In Iraq, militias maintaining close ties with Tehran—likely within the Popular Mobilization Forces—may also participate, he noted. These groups have previously launched attacks on foreign military installations, highlighting their operational capabilities.
Commendation for Iranian Forces
Khamenei praised Iran’s military and security forces for defending the country during periods of external pressure and aggression.
“I would like to thank the brave fighters performing remarkably while our country faces pressure and attacks,” he said. According to Khamenei, the Iranian armed forces played a pivotal role in preventing subjugation or division during recent confrontations.
Iran’s armed forces include the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the latter widely regarded as the backbone of Tehran’s regional influence.
Warning Over US Military Bases
The Supreme Leader issued a stark warning to American military installations across the Middle East. While reiterating Iran’s preference for friendly relations with neighbouring states, he stated that attacks on US bases would continue.
“All US bases in the region must be closed immediately. If they remain operational, they will continue to be targeted,” Khamenei declared.
The United States maintains several strategic installations in Iraq, Syria, Qatar, and Bahrain, supporting counterterrorism operations, regional security, and maritime route protection.
Summary of Key Points
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader |
| Date of Address | 12 March |
| Location | Tehran, Iran |
| Main Warning | Continued attacks on US military bases |
| Potential Allies | Armed groups in Yemen and Iraq |
| Military Praised | Iranian Armed Forces and IRGC |
| Strategic Message | Iran will continue resistance against Israel and the US |
Regional Implications
Khamenei’s remarks highlight the risk of escalation from a bilateral confrontation to a broader regional struggle involving allied militias. Security analysts warn that coordinated operations by Yemeni and Iraqi armed groups could open multiple fronts, potentially threatening shipping lanes, energy routes, and regional stability.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with analysts noting that Tehran’s stance signals a commitment to maintaining a confrontational posture amid increasing geopolitical pressure.
Reported by Al Jazeera, the speech marks a significant moment in Iran’s leadership transition and reflects a strategy of regional assertiveness.