Iran's new supreme leader claims enemy defeated amid escalating conflict

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, declared Friday that "the enemy has been defeated," issuing a defiant message on the occasion of the Persian New Year as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.

In a written statement distributed through official channels and social media, Khamenei asserted that Iran has dealt its enemies "a stunning blow." He stated that adversaries now "pronounce contradictory and absurd words," according to the message released March 20.

The declaration came amid ongoing military operations and explosions in Tehran. Khamenei, who assumed the role of supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28 by Israeli forces, has not made a public appearance since his appointment.

On Friday, Iranian state television released a video purporting to show Mojtaba Khamenei during a religious class, amid circulating reports about his health status. The U.S. Department of Defense previously indicated that the new supreme leader sustained serious injuries during the operation in which his father was killed.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon briefing that Khamenei was "wounded and probably disfigured." Hegseth characterized Iran's leadership as "desperate and hiding, cowering like rats," adding that the new leader was "supposedly not so supreme."

Beyond the written message, Khamenei posted on X on Friday calling for stripping security from enemies, including a message of condolences regarding the death of Intelligence Minister Ismail Jati.

Iran adopted a confrontational stance Friday by threatening to attack recreational and tourist destinations worldwide where its enemies are located. The threat emerged as the United States accelerates plans to control the Strait of Hormuz and amid intense exchanges between Iran and Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump ruled out a ceasefire agreement with Iran, stating that Washington holds an advantage in the conflict.