ISTANBUL: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said in a message on Thursday that the management of the Strait of Hormuz would “enter a new phase”, stressing that Tehran would demand compensation for all war-related losses, Anadolu Agency reported.
A message issued by his office on the 40th day since the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described his passing as a “great blow” to the Iranian people, as well as one of the most painful moments in the country’s recent history.
The message describes the current phase as a continuation of his father’s struggle and legacy.
Mojtaba Hosseini said Iran will move towards a new strategic phase regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
“Management of the Strait of Hormuz will definitely enter a new phase,” he said without giving any details.
Mojtaba Hosseini stressed that Iran will demand legal and material responsibility for the damage caused.
“We will absolutely not let the invaders who attacked our country go unpunished,” he said.
Mojtaba Hosseini said Iran would “demand compensation for all damages, including the blood of the martyrs and those injured.”
The statement came as Iran prepares for talks with the United States (US) in Pakistan, which are expected to begin on Saturday under Pakistani mediation.
Iran said the talks were aimed at finalizing the details of a potential agreement, while stressing that it did not mean the conflict was over.
Mojtaba Hosseini also warned that Iran remains ready to respond to any new aggression.
“Our hand remains on the trigger,” he said, stressing that any mistake by the opponent will be met with a firm response.
The region has remained on high alert since Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Feb 28, which killed at least 3,000 people, including its former supreme leader.
Tehran then responded by launching drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage and disruption to global markets and aviation.
— BERNAMA-ANADOLU
