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Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a defiant statement today pledging revenge for the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that those responsible will be pursued regardless of who holds power in Tehran.

In a written message, the younger Khamenei vowed that Iran would retaliate not only for his father’s killing but also for the deaths of those killed during the recent conflicts.

“We swear to avenge your pure blood (Ali Khamenei) and that of all the martyrs who fell in these two wars at the hands of the murderers,” the younger Khamenei wrote, adding that, “This revenge is the demand of our nation and it must definitely be carried out soon.”

He also promised to continue his father’s legacy, saying Iran’s pursuit of revenge would not be deterred by changes in leadership.

“Now, when we part with teary eyes and broken hearts from your body, we swear that we will keep your word and, standing strong, we will walk straight along your path, which you showed us.

“These sinners, of whom there is a detailed list – they must know that this matter (revenge), is not dependent on my presence as a person or the presence of the rest of the officials. Whether we will be or will not be, this demand will be fulfilled.”

The threats were reinforced by Hamshahri, one of Iran’s leading newspapers, which published what it described as a list of those allegedly responsible for Ayatollah Khamenei’s death. The list appeared beneath the headline, “Revenge Is Certain,” alongside another warning attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei: “The criminals will take their wish for a peaceful death to the grave.”

Among those named were Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, U.S. Central Command Commander Gen. Brad Cooper, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, as well as the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.

The United States carried out a third round of military strikes against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces attacked a commercial cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command announced.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the latest operation began this evening following what it described as an unprovoked Iranian assault on the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container vessel.

“At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM stated.

According to the military, one civilian crew member remains unaccounted for, while the vessel suffered extensive damage that left it unable to continue its voyage.

“A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine-room damage.”

CENTCOM said Iran had been given another opportunity to comply with the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding after previous attacks on commercial shipping but chose instead to continue its aggression.

“Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but has again failed.”

The U.S. military said the strikes are intended to further weaken Iran’s ability to threaten international maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

“In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait.”

CENTCOM concluded by emphasizing that the military operation was authorized directly by President Donald Trump.

“The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief,” the statement concluded.

Reacting to the operation, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth posted a brief message on social media warning Iran of the consequences of its actions: “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.”