Iran vows revenge on the US for Khamenei’s killing
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei says retribution must “certainly” follow his father’s killing. He vows to avenge the “martyred leader.”
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed revenge for the killing of his father in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. In doing so, he is escalating tensions in the Iran war at a moment when a fragile ceasefire is already faltering and the danger of another war is looming. Khamenei described retaliation as inevitable during mourning ceremonies in recent days, months after his father was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes.
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Meanwhile, diplomacy continues but is fragile. Talks to salvage the June U.S.-Iran deal – designed to stop fighting and reopen sea routes – have been marred by recent clashes and mutual allegations of violations. At the same time, the regional impact is expanding. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key flashpoint and any renewed escalation there could quickly impact global oil and shipping markets.
The escalating rhetoric now also took on a personal dimension. Trump recently warned that any attempt on his life would trigger overwhelming U.S. retaliation. In a public statement, Trump said “1,000 missiles” were “loaded and unlocked” and aimed at Iran, adding that orders had already been issued for a response that could “decimate and destroy” the country.
Iran war escalates again: vow of revenge from Tehran – Trump’s red line when it comes to assassination threats
He also said he had left standing instructions for a massive attack in the event of a successful assassination, raising the stakes of Iran’s threats of revenge and reducing the scope for miscalculation.
Khamenei’s message from Tehran was equally clear. In the written statement released during his father’s funeral ceremonies, he said retribution was “the demand of the nation” and must be done “with certainty.” “We vow to avenge the blood of the martyred leader,” he said, portraying retribution as both a national obligation and a broader mission.
The rhetoric echoes scenes from the funeral itself. Large crowds gathered in cities across Iran, chanting slogans demanding revenge and in some cases directly targeting the United States and its leadership. Observers noted that these commemorations also served as political theater, strengthening the legitimacy of the new leadership and at the same time signaling defiance to external opponents.
Failed ceasefire in the Middle East: Battle for the Strait of Hormuz
Much of the conflict has since focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Under normal conditions, about a fifth of global oil supplies pass through this narrow waterway, making it essential to the global economy.
After the war broke out, Iran began disrupting shipping through the Strait. At times, traffic there collapsed dramatically, contributing to sharp increases in oil prices and widespread concerns about supply shortages. The June ceasefire agreement included provisions to reopen the Strait and ensure safe passage for merchant ships.
Negotiations between the USA and Iran – the ceasefire agreement from June
The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June aimed at ending hostilities and resuming negotiations, particularly on nuclear issues and maritime security. The agreement included a 60-day ceasefire window and commitments to keep shipping lanes open. But after just a few weeks, cracks began to appear. Attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz sparked new firefights, prompting the US to launch strikes on Iranian targets.
But this regulation has been repeatedly put to the test. Recent attacks on commercial vessels – which some Iranian officials internally acknowledged were mistakes – have drawn US retaliation and threaten to collapse the agreement entirely.
Iran war with no way out? How things could continue
For now, the crisis is in a delicate balance. Negotiations continue. Military forces remain on alert. The rhetoric is intensifying. And in the narrow waters of the Persian Gulf, where global energy flows and geopolitical tensions collide, the next move could determine whether this confrontation cools or escalates into something far larger.