Iran's New Leader Uses X Platform

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, established a verified account on the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, on March 12, 2026. Using the handle @Rahbarenghelab_, Khamenei posted messages regarding the ongoing conflict with the U.S.

and Israel, and Iran's strategic responses. His posts, translated from Persian, advocated for continued "effective and regret-inducing defense" and the sustained use of blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

He also called on Middle Eastern neighbors to clarify their stances and close U.S. military bases.

Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader earlier in the week, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a strike on February 28. The new leader's X account has garnered over 44,000 followers. The presence of Iranian officials on X has drawn criticism from organizations like the Tech Transparency Project.