Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a series of posts on X on Thursday marking forty days since the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, describing the event as the “martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.”

He began his message with a verse from the Quran, writing, “Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear victory (Quran 48:1),” and went on to describe the past forty days as following a “dreadful crime” carried out by “enemies of Islam & Iran.”

Khamenei claimed that, in contrast to historical precedents, supporters of his father did not falter but instead “rose up to confront falsehood” and held firm. He added that during this period, followers have behaved “like balls of fire on the heads of the Pharaohs.”

Referring to what he called the “Third Sacred Defense,” Khamenei asserted that “the heroic nation of Iran” is “the definite victor in this battlefield.”

Turning to Iran’s neighbors in the region, he said they were “witnessing a miracle” and urged them to “stand on the right side” by rejecting what he described as “false promises of the devils,” an apparent reference to Israel and the United States. He also stated that Iran is waiting for “an appropriate response” from those countries and suggested that future relations would hinge on their willingness to “renounce the Arrogant Powers.”

Khamenei further warned that Iran would not allow “criminal aggressors” to avoid consequences, saying the country would seek “full reparations for all damages caused,” along with compensation for those killed and injured.

He reiterated Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the country intends to move its management “to a new phase,” while emphasizing that Iran does not seek conflict but will not “relinquish” what he described as its rightful claims.

In closing, Khamenei said Iran would continue pursuing what he called justice for the deaths of his father and others, adding that the country remains committed to the path of the “Resistance Front” and to standing “against the Front of Disbelief and Arrogance.”

However, the posts appear to conflict with multiple reports citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence, which claim that Mojtaba Khamenei is currently in Qom, about 87 miles south of Tehran, and in a serious “semi-comatose” or “critical condition” that leaves him unable to make decisions. He has not been seen in public, and some reports have suggested that videos circulating online may be generated using artificial intelligence, with indications that the IRGC is effectively controlling the country.