CNN aired a full four-minute statement broadcast on Iranian state TV, purportedly from new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The network’s uninterrupted airing of Iranian state-run TV drew ire from the White House.
The war with Iran had entered its 13th day. The new Islamic Republic’s new leader is the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the first strikes against Iran late last month as part of Operation Epic Fury.
The statement from Ali Khamenei was read by a woman on the country’s state media and broadcast worldwide.
“Fake News CNN just aired four straight minutes of uninterrupted Iranian state TV, run by the same psychotic and murderous regime that has prided itself on brutally slaughtering Americans for 47 years,” the White House said on X.
The post was published by the White House’s Rapid Response 47 account.
CNN said in a statement: “The world is watching with anticipation which direction this war will take. Purported remarks from Iran’s new Supreme Leader are a critical component in helping audiences understand where this conflict is heading and were aired for their obvious news value.”
In Mr. Khamenei’s statement, he said Iran’s top priority is “avenging the blood of your martyrs,” including the children killed in the strike on the girls’ elementary school on March 1. A preliminary military investigation Wednesday found that the U.S. military was responsible for the missile strike that hit the school.
“I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge,” he said.
The statement also said the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil travels, should remain closed.
And, that attacks on the country’s Gulf Arab neighbors will continue.
The statement told Iranians that Iran will destroy enemy assets.
“One point I must emphasize is that, in any case, we will obtain compensation from the enemy. If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent,” the statement said.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.
