Iran’s new leader says defense lines stronger than enemies assume

2026-03-21 - 07:30

Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader has delivered a defiant message to the nation’s adversaries, declaring that Tehran’s defensive capabilities and internal unity are far greater than what foreign powers have assumed. In a written address marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Mojtaba Khamenei stated that the ongoing war was triggered after the enemy abandoned hopes of fomenting a popular insurrection inside Iran. He argued that adversaries believed the assassination of top leaders and military commanders would instill fear and lead to the collapse of the political system, but instead Iranians formed what he described as a “vast defense line” across the country that thwarted those designs. Khamenei also addressed regional tensions directly, rejecting allegations that Iran or its allies were behind recent attacks on Türkiye and Oman. He accused Israel of orchestrating such operations with the aim of driving a wedge between Iran and its neighbors. The new leader’s remarks come amid heightened hostilities following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began on February 28, which have reportedly killed over 1,300 people, including his predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The supreme leader used the occasion to outline his vision for the year ahead, declaring the slogan for the new Persian calendar year as “resistance economy under national unity and national security.” He urged Iranian media to avoid highlighting internal shortcomings, warning that hostile propaganda campaigns are designed to erode national cohesion. His remarks underscored the leadership’s focus on economic resilience and social solidarity as the country faces sustained military pressure. Iran has responded to the ongoing conflict with retaliatory drone and missile operations targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states that host American military assets. The reciprocal strikes have caused infrastructure damage, disrupted global markets, and intensified fears of a broader regional conflagration. Khamenei’s message signaled Tehran’s intent to project strength while accusing its adversaries of strategic miscalculation.