What Happened? Iran's Supreme Leader's Action Put Musk in the Spotlight

Amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Muqtada al-Hassan Khamenei, has launched a “Blue V Verified Account” — @Rahbarenghelab_ — on Elon Musk’s influential social media platform X.

As of press time, the account has gained 55,000 followers. In a post, Khamenei wrote: “The people’s desire is to continue effective and decisive defense. Moreover, the cards to block the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”

“I assure everyone that we will never abandon revenge for the blood of martyrs,” he stated in another post.

In addition to discussing the Strait of Hormuz issue, Khamenei urged Iran’s neighboring countries in the Middle East to “clarify their positions” and called for those with U.S. military bases to close them.

Earlier this week, Muqtada al-Hassan Khamenei was elected as Iran’s Supreme Leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in an airstrike on February 28, the first day of the war.

According to reports from CCTV News and other media, Khamenei also issued his first statement since taking office as Supreme Leader on Thursday, systematically elaborating on the country’s development direction, regional situation, and responses to external challenges. He clearly stated that Iran will continue to adopt strategic measures, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and open new fronts if necessary.

He announced via Iran’s national television: “We have studied opening other fronts that are less experienced by the enemy and more vulnerable to attack. If the war continues and it is in the national interest, these fronts will be launched. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must of course continue.”

He also said all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should be closed immediately, or they will be attacked. Khamenei expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the war and promised medical and economic compensation for affected civilians. He stated that Iran will continue to hold the enemy accountable and seek revenge for the fallen.

However, having a “Blue V Verified Account” on X seems to have put Elon Musk in the spotlight once again.

Katie Paul, director of the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project, which monitors tech companies’ conduct, sharply criticized this.

Paul said, “The ‘Blue V Verified’ is a mark indicating that the account holder has paid for a premium subscription, and X profits from this. This clearly violates U.S. sanctions laws.”