Mojtaba Khamenei declared on Friday that Iran has delivered a “dizzying blow” to its adversaries in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, as fresh explosions shook Tehran on the first day of the Persian New Year.
In a written message marking Nowruz, Khamenei said Iran’s unity had unsettled its enemies. He claimed that the country’s resilience had forced its opponents into making contradictory and irrational statements, stressing that solidarity across religious, cultural, and political divides has been crucial in confronting external threats.
Khamenei has remained out of public view since taking over leadership after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes at the outset of the war on February 28.
His remarks came amid multiple explosions reported across Tehran, particularly in the eastern and northern districts, during what is typically a festive holiday period.
Tensions also intensified in Jerusalem, where Israeli officials said missile debris caused a blast in the Old City near key religious landmarks, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israel accused Iran of deliberately targeting sacred areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the war could end sooner than expected, asserting that Iran was “being decimated,” while cautioning that a ground offensive might still be necessary.
The conflict has significantly disrupted global energy markets, especially after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and gas shipments.
Drone and missile attacks have also struck major energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including facilities in Kuwait and Qatar, heightening concerns over prolonged economic consequences.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticised allied nations for declining to support efforts to reopen the strait, calling them “cowards” and warning that their stance would not be forgotten.
Global powers such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan have indicated willingness to assist in securing the route, though no concrete actions have yet been announced.
The war has already driven sharp increases in energy prices, with analysts warning that continued damage to infrastructure could trigger a wider global economic crisis.
The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where sustained Israeli airstrikes have pushed the reported death toll beyond 1,000, according to local authorities.
