Revenge for the former ayatollah is “the nation’s demand,” according to a written statement purportedly from Mojtaba Khamenei.
"We promise to avenge your innocent blood and the blood of all martyrs in these wars from the criminal and dishonorable murderers. This revenge is the will of our nation and must be carried out," the letter reads, according to state-run Fars.
Khamenei the Younger, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, has not been seen in public since the attack that killed Ali Khamenei in late February. He also did not appear at his father's funeral ceremonies this week, and according to multiple reports, he is likely injured or disfigured.
Iranian state media has on several occasions released written statements purporting to come from the new ayatollah.
