Khamenei renews revenge vow after Trump warns of full destruction if targeted

What happened

Iran International reports that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has renewed his promise to avenge the killing of his father in a February 28 airstrike, calling such retaliation a “national demand” that will be carried out regardless of his own survival. This marks the second public pledge following his initial statement immediately after the killing and succession announcement.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. In a separate statement made hours earlier, former US President Donald Trump said he had ordered the US military to be ready with 1,000 missiles locked and loaded, authorizing a one-year military mandate to “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran” should Iran attempt to assassinate him. Trump’s comments underscore a heightened level of military threat against Iran, though no specific Iranian action to justify this was confirmed in the source.

The exchange of threats comes amid state-run funeral ceremonies in Iran where mourners chanted calls for the deaths of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has shared intelligence with the US suggesting Iranian officials had discussed assassination attempts against Trump, though these claims remain unverified in the supplied material.

Known from the source

• Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly renewed his vow to avenge his father's death in a February 28 airstrike.
• Khamenei stated this revenge would be carried out regardless of his own survival.
• Former US President Donald Trump claimed he ordered the US military to ‘decimate and destroy’ Iran if Tehran attempted to assassinate him, authorizing a one-year military mandate.
• State-run funeral ceremonies in Iran included chants calling for death to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• The Wall Street Journal reported Israel shared intelligence with the US alleging Iranian discussions of assassination plots against Trump, based on officials cited.

What remains unclear

Concurrently, diplomatic efforts continue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaging in talks with Oman and Qatar on reopening the Strait of Hormuz for unrestricted navigation. US officials communicated a limited timeline for negotiations and stressed conditions including Iran's surrender of its highly enriched uranium stockpile and cessation of attacks on shipping in the strait, reflecting the diplomatic tension juxtaposed with military threats.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify the exact nature and readiness status of the 1,000 missiles Trump referenced. Confirm the authenticity and details of Israeli intelligence on Iranian assassination discussions. Check final participation and statements from the Muscat talks including all regional stakeholders.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Iran International. Open the source.