Iran's Supreme Leader Promises Retribution Against Foreign Leaders

In a recent statement, Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has vowed to seek vengeance against 13 foreign political leaders in response to the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This declaration, made through a hardline newspaper, has intensified the already heightened rhetoric surrounding Iran's ongoing conflicts. The infographic released features notable figures including Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, but lacks official recognition from the Iranian government as a list of targets. This development follows the recent funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a significant moment in Iran's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2026, 08:44 IST

Iran's Call for Revenge

A conservative Iranian publication has unveiled an infographic featuring 13 international political figures, accompanied by a declaration from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowing retribution for the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This move intensifies the ongoing tensions related to the Iran conflict. The graphic was shared online by Hamshahri, a Tehran-based newspaper recognized for its hardline views, but it was absent from the print version released on Sunday. This announcement followed Mojtaba Khamenei's initial public address since the funeral of Iran's previous supreme leader, who was killed in military actions earlier this year.

The Islamic regime in Iran has released an image showing an X placed over Lindsey Graham’s photo.The picture speaks for itself.They are admitting it themselves. pic.twitter.com/9MnDnJTvc3
— Robin 🇮🇱 (@Robiiin_Hoodx) July 12, 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei's Vow of Retribution

Mojtaba Khamenei Promises Revenge

In his remarks, Mojtaba emphasized that seeking vengeance is a collective desire of the Iranian populace. He stated, "Vengeance is the will of our nation and must inevitably be carried out." He committed to avenging the deaths of his father and others lost in the ongoing conflict, asserting, "These criminals, whose names appear on a list, will take to their graves the wish of a peaceful death in their beds." This statement marked Mojtaba's first public communication following the conclusion of his father's funeral and the official leadership transition in Tehran.

Infographic Highlights Global Leaders

Newspaper Graphic Features Trump, Netanyahu And European Leaders

Hamshahri's infographic included images of 13 foreign leaders and high-ranking officials, such as US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The newspaper did not elaborate on the criteria for selecting these individuals, merely reiterating Mojtaba Khamenei's statement. There has been no formal announcement from the Iranian government designating these individuals as state targets.

Post-Funeral Tensions Rise

Rhetoric Follows Funeral Of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

This publication comes shortly after the nationwide funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose passing initiated a leadership change within the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials framed the week-long mourning as a symbol of national solidarity following prolonged conflicts with the United States and Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei officially took over leadership after the February military strikes and had remained largely out of the public eye during the funeral events until his recent statement. The release by Hamshahri illustrates the increasingly aggressive rhetoric from hardline factions in Iran following this leadership shift, although the infographic has not been recognized by Iranian authorities as an official government document or operational directive.