Iran’s Ambassador to Lisbon, Majid Tafreshi, has downplayed the public absence of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while shifting the blame for ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington entirely onto the United States.
In an interview with Portuguese news agency Lusa, Tafreshi addressed the aggressive rhetoric coming from Iran’s leadership following the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in late February during airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel. Ali Khamenei’s official mourning period concluded earlier this month.
Commenting on Mojtaba Khamenei’s vows to avenge his father, the ambassador maintained that such remarks must be understood within the emotional context of the funeral services.
Tafreshi insisted that Iran remains committed to its signed ceasefire obligations, arguing that keeping diplomatic agreements is a core Islamic value, whereas the United States has historically undermined and ignored its commitments.
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When asked why Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a single public appearance since being named Supreme Leader on March 8, Tafreshi cited extreme security risks. He argued that Iranian leadership is actively targeted by foreign adversaries, making public outings highly dangerous. However, the diplomat emphasized that the new leader is fully operational, issuing written statements and making high-profile political and judicial appointments behind closed doors.
Tafreshi dismissed skepticism regarding the authenticity of these communications, stating that the public is receiving genuine messages directly from the Supreme Leader rather than automated text.
Tafreshi also reiterated Iran’s absolute sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime choke point through which a fifth of the world’s oil exports pass. The ambassador defended Iran’s actions in the channel, claiming international maritime law supports Tehran’s jurisdiction.
He accused the United States of violating the June 17 ceasefire protocol by militarizing the strait and launching unprovoked attacks against numerous peaceful Iranian vessels. Tafreshi characterized the U.S. military presence in the Middle East as the primary obstacle to peace and security, urging foreign powers to dismantle their bases and engage with the region through trade and investment rather than militarization.
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The Iranian ambassador concluded by advocating for a Middle East completely free of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, asserting that Iran wants regional tourism and economic progress over armed conflict. Pointing to the unifying power of international events like the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Tafreshi urged global politicians to focus on reducing geopolitical tensions and fostering collaborative, peaceful dialogue.
