Naila Ali
Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Vows Continued Resistance as Pakistan Backs UN Resolution Condemning Tehran’s Attacks
Islamabad — In a significant development amid the escalating US-Israel war on Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei — Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader — issued his first public statement on Thursday, March 12, 2026, pledging to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warning of further attacks on US bases. Hours earlier, Pakistan, currently serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2025-26 term), voted in favour of a GCC-led resolution strongly condemning Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations.
The two developments highlight the complex diplomatic tightrope Pakistan is walking: maintaining historical ties with Iran while prioritising the safety of its citizens and economic interests in the Gulf.
Background: The War That Changed Iran’s Leadership
The ongoing conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli strikes assassinated Iran’s long-serving Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (who ruled for 37 years) along with several family members in Tehran. Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected his son Mojtaba Khamenei as the new “exalted leader” just days ago, on Sunday. Mojtaba, 56, had long been seen as a hardliner and potential successor.
Iran has responded with missile barrages targeting Israeli and US assets, while also hitting Gulf countries and closing the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for 20% of global oil trade.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s First Defiant Message
In a written statement read out on Iranian state television (Press TV) by a news anchor — as the new leader has not appeared publicly since his appointment — Mojtaba Khamenei struck a combative tone:
“The Strait of Hormuz will continue to be closed to pressure the enemy.”
“All US military bases in the region must be shut immediately, or they will be attacked.”
“We will seek compensation from the enemy, and if they refuse, we will destroy the same amount of his property.”
He thanked Iran’s armed forces and “brave fighters” and praised resistance groups in Yemen and Iraq for supporting the “Islamic Revolution.”
“Iran believes in friendship with its neighbours, but attacks on US bases will continue… we are going to open new fronts against the enemy if deemed necessary
The message paid tribute to his father, who was killed while reading the Quran during Ramadan, and vowed to continue his path of resistance. Analysts note it offers “no promise of reform” and doubles down on the previous leadership’s policies.
Iranian society remains divided, with some analysts warning that focusing solely on armed resistance ignores pressing economic issues and public protests.
Pakistan’s Vote at the UNSC: Supporting Gulf Allies
On March 11, the UN Security Council adopted a Bahrain-led resolution (co-sponsored by a record 135 countries, including Pakistan) that “condemns in the strongest terms” Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan. The text describes the strikes as a “breach of international law” and a threat to global peace, citing deliberate targeting of civilians, infrastructure and commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Voting breakdown: 13 in favour (including Pakistan), China and Russia abstained. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, explained Islamabad’s position clearly: “Pakistan is not immune from these attacks… at least two Pakistani nationals lost their lives in attacks on the UAE, and millions of other Pakistanis residing in the Gulf countries remain in harm’s way.” He also called for “swift return to dialogue and diplomacy.”
Pakistan also voted for a rival Russian draft resolution urging an immediate halt to all military activities in the Middle East (that draft failed to pass).
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani slammed the resolution as “a blatant misuse of the Security Council mandate” for political agendas.
Pakistan’s Dual Diplomacy: Congratulations to New Leader + Vote Against Aggression
Despite the UN vote, Pakistan has maintained warm diplomatic engagement with Tehran. On March 10-11, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei:
“I congratulate His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his assumption of the responsibilities of Supreme Leader… I am confident that the new Supreme Leader would guide Iran towards peace, stability and prosperity.” He also offered condolences on the “martyrdom” of Ali Khamenei and family.
This reflects Pakistan’s long-standing relationship with Iran — the second-largest Shia population after Iran lives in Pakistan, and both countries share borders and energy interests.
Analysis: Pakistan’s Strategic Balancing Act
Foreign policy experts see this as classic Pakistani diplomacy: protecting millions of overseas workers and remittance flows from the Gulf (a lifeline for the economy)