Iran’s new supreme leader has released a statement demanding ‘blood money’ from the US and Israel.

 

In a statement broadcast to Iranian state TV, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei told the Iranian people: ‘By the grace of God, we will certainly not let go of the criminal aggressors who attacked our country.

 

‘We will undoubtedly demand compensation for every single damage inflicted, the blood money of the martyrs, and the diyah of the war-wounded.’

 

‘Iran is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights and considers all resistance fronts as a unified entity,’ Khamenei added.

 

He also said: ‘We are still awaiting an appropriate reaction from our southern neighbours so that we can show you our brotherhood.’

 

Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since he took over from his father, also warned the regime would ‘take the management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase’ amid rising tensions over how the vital shipping lane will be controlled.

 

He called on pro-Iranian protesters to take to the streets because ‘your voices raised in public squares have an impact on the outcome of negotiations.’

 

It adds that Iran ‘never sought war and we’re not seeking war’, but will ‘not back off from seeking our legitimate rights in any way’, adding this includes ‘the entire resistance front’ – meaning Iran’s allies and regional proxies.

 

The message comes after the head of NATO admitted that some allies were ‘a bit slow’ to support the US attacks in Iran, as the alliance comes under increasing pressure from Donald Trump.

 

Speaking in Washington, Mark Rutte praised Mr Trump for his ‘bold leadership and vision’ and said he understood why he was disappointed with the transatlantic alliance.

 

Earlier, the US President is said to have issued an ultimatum to NATO – send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, or risk losing American support for good.