Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation Following Father’s Assassination

By James, Admin
July 12, 2026 – 1:00 PM CST, Chicago, IL

​Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has pledged retaliation following the assassination of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

Khamenei issued the statement Saturday following his father’s burial. During the weeklong funeral procession, demonstrators publicly called for the death of President Donald Trump.

The Iranian leader did not specifically identify Trump as a target in his statement. However, U.S. and Israeli officials said Israel had recently provided the United States with intelligence indicating that Iranian officials had discussed the possibility of assassinating the U.S. president.

Khamenei said those responsible for his father’s death and others killed during the recent conflicts would be held accountable. He also indicated that retaliation would continue regardless of whether he personally remained alive or in power.

The threat comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Trump. While returning from Turkey earlier in the week, Trump changed aircraft during the trip. Reporting indicated that security concerns were behind the decision to use the older Air Force One aircraft rather than the newer plane provided to the United States by Qatar.

Trump responded to the Iranian threats Friday night on Truth Social, warning of an overwhelming U.S. military response if Iran attempted to assassinate the sitting president.

Trump said 1,000 missiles were prepared for potential use against Iran, with thousands more available afterward. He also said he had authorized the U.S. military, for a one-year period subject to extension, to respond by destroying Iranian targets if the government carried out or attempted an assassination.
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The exchange adds another layer of tension to the confrontation between Washington and Tehran as threats of retaliation and further military action continue between the two governments.