Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei issues warning on Raisi's death anniversary, hints at final showdown?

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei used the anniversary of former President Ebrahim Raisi’s death to deliver a fiery political message aimed at the United States and Israel, declaring that Iran is engaged in a “unique historical resistance” against what he described as hostile foreign powers. During the commemoration, Mojtaba praised Raisi’s leadership, diplomacy and connection with ordinary Iranians while portraying him as part of Iran’s long line of revolutionary “martyrs.” He also honoured former foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died alongside Raisi in the 2024 helicopter crash near Varzaqan. Khamenei warned that wartime conditions had increased pressure on Iranian officials and stressed the need to preserve Iran’s independence amid escalating tensions following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes.