Iranian President warns of crushing enemy bases

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed sweeping retaliation following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that the country’s armed forces will continue operations with full force against enemy bases.

In a televised address on Sunday (March 1), Pezeshkian said Iran’s military would “intensify its operations to destroy enemy military bases” and thwart all hostile plans.”

“The armed forces of the Islamic Republic will follow the path shown by the Supreme Leader and continue delivering decisive blows,” he said, describing Khamenei’s death as the culmination of years of sacrifice and referring to it as martyrdom.

Amid the leadership vacuum, Pezeshkian announced the formation of a three-member interim leadership council to oversee state affairs. The council has already begun functioning, he added, noting that he is among its members.

The developments come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with fears of further escalation across the Middle East.