According to a report by Sky News on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Iran’s ruling authorities on Thursday aired a statement on state television attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been presented by the government as the country’s new supreme leader.
In the broadcast message, Khamenei called for the immediate closure of United States military bases across the region, warning that they would otherwise become targets for Iranian attacks. The address was delivered as tensions remain high following recent hostilities involving Iran and its adversaries.
According to the statement, Iran’s leadership intends to respond to what it described as aggression against the country and its people. Khamenei expressed appreciation to citizens who supported the government during the confrontation, praising what he called national unity in the face of external pressure.
“We thank the people of Iran from all walks of life who stood against the enemy,” the statement said.
The message also included condolences to families who lost relatives during the recent fighting. Khamenei acknowledged the human toll of the conflict and pledged that the government would compensate those affected by the destruction and loss.
He said authorities would work to address the damage caused during the war and provide assistance to individuals whose homes or livelihoods were impacted.
In the statement, the new supreme leader also condemned the deaths of civilians, particularly children, during the conflict. He described the incidents as serious violations and insisted they would not go unanswered.
“The crime against humanity and against the children will not be ignored,” the message said.