Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has delivered his first public statement since assuming leadership, calling for national unity while vowing retaliation for those killed during the recent conflict.

In a message read on Iranian state television, Khamenei expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones and pledged that the government would compensate those affected by the destruction caused by the war. He urged citizens to remain united in the face of hardship.

“We have to protect this unity, and this is only possible when we stand together and find common ground,” the statement said.

Khamenei linked the nation’s suffering to his own personal tragedy, revealing that his family had also been deeply affected by the violence. He said his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as well as other relatives, were killed in recent strikes.

“I share the pain of those who have lost their loved ones because I lost my father, I lost my wife,” he said. “My sister also lost her child and her husband.”

He added that faith and patience were crucial in enduring the difficult period facing the country.

Khamenei also praised citizens “from all walks of life” who resisted what he described as the nation’s enemies, emphasizing resilience and solidarity among Iranians.

At the same time, he signaled a hardline stance on the conflict, promising retaliation for those killed.

“I assure everyone that we will not ignore the fact that we are going to avenge our martyrs,” he said. “It is not only about the martyrdom of our supreme leader. It is about every single countryman who has been killed during the recent war.”

The statement marks Khamenei’s first public address since taking over the country’s highest political and religious office amid heightened regional tensions.