Iran's New Supreme Leader Breaks Silence With Written Appeal for Unity

Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message on July 18, 2026, since becoming supreme leader in March, urging "sacred unity" and warning enemies "must not detect any sign of weakness." He has not appeared publicly since taking power and was absent from his father Ali Khamenei's funeral on July 10. The written format leaves questions about his health and authority unresolved.