Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, claimed on Friday that the country had delivered a “dizzying blow” to its enemies, as fresh explosions shook Tehran on the first day of the Persian New Year, Nowruz.
The statement comes amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Israel condemned a blast in Jerusalem’s Old City, near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, calling it an attack on the city’s sacred sites. Iran, in turn, framed its military actions as a sign of national unity, despite differences in religion, culture, and politics.
Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after the former leader was killed in an Israeli airstrike on February 28, has remained out of public view and issued only written statements. In his Nowruz message, he said: “Our enemies are now speaking contradictory and confused words after the blows dealt by our nation.”
Despite the conflict, many Iranians continued traditional Nowruz celebrations, shopping for gifts and clothes, though crowds were smaller than usual and some had fled north to avoid attacks. Northern Iran near the Caspian Sea has also seen military activity in recent days.
Israel reported the elimination of key figures in Iran’s Basij paramilitary force and attributed a blast in Jerusalem’s Old City to Iranian missile fragments.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran was “being decimated” and hinted that the war could end sooner than anticipated, though a ground operation might still be needed. French officials said Iran must make major concessions for a political resolution.
The war is causing global energy disruptions. Iran’s near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with missile strikes on major oil and gas facilities in Qatar and Kuwait, has sparked concern over energy supply.
US President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for refusing to send military support to reopen the strait, calling them “cowards,” while some nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, pledged support without specific commitments.
The economic impact is already severe. Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas complex sustained extensive damage, potentially costing $20 billion annually and requiring years to repair. Spain announced a €5 billion package, including a VAT cut on petrol, to cushion citizens from rising energy prices.
The humanitarian toll continues to mount. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions, have killed over 1,000 people and displaced thousands. NATO has scaled back its Iraq mission amid rising threats.
