Tehran, July 11:Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to avenge the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes earlier this year. In a message released on Saturday during the funeral and burial ceremonies of the late leader, Mojtaba described seeking justice as a national duty and praised the massive public participation in the funeral processions across Iran and Iraq.

"We pledge to avenge your pure blood and the blood of all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and dishonourable murderers. This revenge is the will of our nation and will be carried out without fail," Mojtaba Khamenei said.

He warned that those responsible for the assassination would not escape accountability, stating that they "will carry to their graves the unfulfilled wish of dying peacefully in their beds." He stressed that the pursuit of revenge was not dependent on any one individual or government official.

"Whether we are here or not, this mission will be accomplished. Soon, every free person around the world will play a role in fulfilling this divine responsibility," he added.

Mojtaba Khamenei also thanked the millions of mourners who participated in six days of funeral ceremonies in cities across Iran and Iraq, including Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Najaf and Karbala. He described the turnout as "historic," "astonishing," and a demonstration of national unity.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest late Thursday night at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad. Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their final respects as his coffin was carried around the shrine before the burial ceremony at the Dar al-Dhikr prayer hall. Funeral prayers were led by his eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei.

Referring to the legacy of Imam Hosayn, Mojtaba Khamenei said the Iranian people had made immense sacrifices in defence of their religious beliefs and remained committed to that path.

"Our nation has sacrificed its children for many years in the cause of Hosayn and in the struggle against his enemies. Today, it remains steadfast in that commitment," he said.

Paying tribute to his late father, Mojtaba pledged to continue his leadership and uphold his principles.

"As we bid farewell with tearful eyes and broken hearts, we pledge to preserve your legacy, remain steadfast on the path you established, and face every challenge with perseverance and faith," he said.

Concluding his message, Mojtaba offered prayers for his father and those killed alongside him in the strikes, describing them as martyrs who had attained divine honour.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, an event that triggered a wider regional conflict across West Asia. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.