US-Iran Conflict: President Pezeshkian Says 'Will Crush Enemy Bases' As Tehran Vows To Avenge Khamenei's Death

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (local time) addressed the nation, saying that Tehran's armed forces will "disappoint the enemies," and added that they are currently "crushing the enemy's bases," BBC reported. Also Read | Iran-Israel Conflict LIVE: PM Modi to chair CCS meet in Delhi around 9.30 pm

Pezeshkian's address came a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli strikes on Saturday. Expressing his condolences over Khamenei's death, Pezeshkian announced the formation of an interim leadership council and added that they have begun with their work.

He said, "The interim leadership council started its work... we will continue with all our strength along the path set by Imam Khomeini."

According to the country's state media, Pezeshkian is one of three officials on the council. The other two are the head of the judiciary cleric Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi, AP reported.

Before Pezeshkian's recorded message aired, he shared a post on X, in which he said that the recent onslaught would "not disrupt the resolve of the government of the Islamic Republic to carry out its duties and responsibilities". He further said that the "sorrow" from the death of the country's supreme leader would "remain in the minds of people" for a long time.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a new supreme leader would be chosen in "one or two days".

Also Read | Who is Ayatollah Arafi, Iran's interim Supreme Leader? Iran vows revenge after Khamenei's death

According to AP, Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, in a televised address on Sunday, said, "You have crossed our red line and must pay the price," and that“We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg.”

Earlier today, Pezeshkian, in a statement, said that Khamenei's killing is a "declaration of war against Muslims", and added that avenging Khamenei's killing was a right and obligation of the Islamic Republic.“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it its legitimate duty and right to avenge the perpetrators and masterminds of this historic crime,” AFP reported.

Iran's Supreme Leader killed in strikes

On Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran and targeted key sites across the country. Khamenei's death was confirmed by the state media on Sunday, following which Tehran is observing 40 days of mourning.

The death of the 86-year-old Khamenei has left Iran without a supreme leader. Khamenei, who ruled the country for 36 years, was killed on Saturday morning at his compound in Tehran.

Wider conflict in the Middle East?

After the United States and Israel launched strikes targeting key sites in Iran, Tehran retaliated and attacked US bases in Middle Eastern countries, thereby plunging the Middle Eastern region into a wider and renewed military conflict. Explosions were heard in major cities, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Dubai, and Manama.

Flight operations were also suspended in the region, with many countries announcing the closure of their airspace.

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