Iran's Supreme Leader Again Hides Face and Voice, Delivers New Year's Address via Telegram

"This Year Is for Building a Resistance Economy Under National Unity"

"Overthrowing the Iranian Regime Is a Delusion of the U.S. and Israel"

Iran's new leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his New Year's address on March 20 (local time) to mark Nowruz, the Iranian national holiday, declaring this year as "the year to build a resistance economy under national unity and national security."

Since being elected as the Supreme Leader, Mojtaba has not revealed his face or voice. This time, too, he conveyed his message solely through his Telegram channel and via a state broadcaster reading it aloud, without making a public appearance.

Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son elected as successor to Supreme Leader Khamenei [AFP=Yonhap News file photo. Resale and DB prohibited]

In his New Year's message, Mojtaba expressed "deep respect and condolences to the security martyrs, border guards, and their families, who sacrificed themselves amid imposed wars and coup plots."

He continued, "The enemy tried to divide Iran by exploiting the leadership vacuum, but you built a nationwide defensive line while observing Ramadan fasting and jihad. Your unity has embarrassed the enemy, and their contradictory statements reveal their cognitive weakness and confusion," he asserted.

He added, "Stabilizing livelihoods and creating wealth are the core defense lines in this economic war. By communicating directly with citizens and listening to the voices on the ground, I will soon present actionable plans that have been reviewed by experts."

He also stated, "We value our relationships with our brother nations Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Zionist enemy (Israel) is attempting to sow discord among Islamic countries through 'false flag' operations, but we are aware of their schemes." He further emphasized that recent drone and missile attacks targeting Türkiye, Oman, and others were not carried out by Iranian forces or the 'Axis of Resistance.' Rather, he claimed Israel orchestrated a deception to make it appear as though Iran had conducted these attacks.

Mojtaba stressed, "This year will be one of victory and spiritual and material opening for the Iranian people, the Axis of Resistance, and all Muslims, while hoping it will be a year of humiliation for our enemies." He harshly criticized the United States and Israel, calling their expectation of overthrowing the Iranian regime a delusion.

Mojtaba was elected as Iran's third Supreme Leader on February 28, following the death of his father in a U.S. and Israeli airstrike.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.