Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, has launched a verified account on X, sharing messages regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed supreme leader of Iran, has recently launched a verified account on X, where he has begun sharing messages about the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as the Islamic Republic’s response to the conflict.
In one of his posts, Khamenei addressed his followers, stating, “Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defense. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.” His account currently has over 44,000 followers, and all posts have been translated from Persian.
In another message, he asserted, “I assure everyone that we will not forgo vengeance for the blood of your martyrs.” This rhetoric highlights the ongoing tensions and the Iranian leadership’s commitment to its military stance amid the conflict.
In addition to discussing military strategies, Khamenei called on Iran’s neighbors in the Middle East to “clarify their stance” regarding the conflict. He also urged countries hosting U.S. military bases to shut them down, reflecting Iran’s broader geopolitical concerns.
Khamenei’s ascension to the role of supreme leader occurred earlier this week following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a strike on the first day of the war on February 28.
The launch of Khamenei’s account has drawn criticism from various watchdog groups. Katie Paul, director of the Tech Transparency Project, expressed concern over the decision to allow Khamenei to maintain an account on X. Her organization released a report in February indicating that accounts associated with Iranian officials, government agencies, and state-run media outlets had received blue check marks, signifying they were subscribers to X’s premium service.
“For the past three years, the Tech Transparency Project has repeatedly highlighted how X is profiting from providing premium subscriptions to U.S. sanctioned entities — many linked to terrorism — in apparent violation of U.S. sanctions law,” Paul stated in an email to CNBC.
She further noted, “Now it’s happening with the sanctioned leader of a country the U.S. is actively engaged in war with.” Khamenei’s account features a blue checkmark, which is reserved for premium accounts on the platform.
The development comes as the conflict continues to generate significant global repercussions. Reports indicate that multiple ships have been struck in the Persian Gulf, and oil prices have surged due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.
Mojtaba Khamenei, an Iranian Shiite cleric and political figure, is the second son of Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s supreme leader for more than three decades. His recent appointment has attracted international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump labeling the move as “unacceptable.”
This ongoing situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, as Khamenei’s leadership and social media presence may influence both domestic and international perceptions of Iran’s military and political strategies.
According to CNBC, the implications of Khamenei’s account and the broader conflict continue to unfold, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Iran relations.