Qalibaf Vows Retribution for Those Responsible for Khamenei’s Death

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, has said those responsible for the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and others killed during the recent war “will face the consequences of their actions.” In a message issued for Khamenei’s funeral ceremony, Qalibaf claimed that Iranians had taken part in public gatherings in recent months, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel and calling for retaliation over Khamenei’s killing. “The fulfilment of God’s promise is certain,” he said. “Those who violated Iran’s territory and the killers of the martyrs of this land, especially the Leader of the Ummah, will face the consequences of their actions.” Qalibaf also described the “liberation of Jerusalem” as the ultimate stage of revenge, saying it remained one of the Islamic Republic’s strategic objectives. His remarks come as he has emerged as one of the Islamic Republic’s key figures in negotiations with the United States following Khamenei’s death. His support for continuing the talks has drawn criticism from hardline factions opposed to engagement with Washington. In recent weeks, opponents of a potential agreement with the US have staged demonstrations, chanting slogans against Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian.