Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public statement since his father's death, pledging that vengeance would be carried out against those responsible. Ali Khamenei, the previous Supreme Leader, was killed in an air strike on February 28 at the outbreak of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Following nearly a week of funeral ceremonies culminating in burial in Mashhad on Friday, the younger Khamenei declared that retaliation represented not merely a personal commitment but an inevitable national obligation that would proceed regardless of individual circumstances.

The situation deteriorated sharply following an exchange of military strikes triggered by alleged attacks on commercial shipping. US President Trump responded with severe warnings that any Iranian assassination attempt would provoke overwhelming American military response against the country. Despite the escalating threats, with assassination calls audible at the funeral proceedings, diplomatic negotiators operating from Oman continue pursuing a resolution. Iran has reportedly characterized the tanker incidents as actions taken by unauthorised internal factions rather than official policy, while the US has demanded public assurances regarding freedom of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.