US-Iran conflict: President Pezeshkian says ‘will crush enemy bases’ as Tehran vows to avenge Khamenei's death
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran’s forces are “crushing the enemy’s bases” after Supreme Leader Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes. An interim council has taken charge as Tehran vows revenge.
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.
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".
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.
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.