Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public statement since assuming power, warning that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and threatening further action against U.S. military bases in the region.
The message, broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, was read by a news anchor on behalf of the new leader, who has not appeared publicly since he was named supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
In the statement, Mojtaba Khamenei declared that blocking the vital oil shipping route would remain a key pressure tactic against Iran’s adversaries.
“The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely be used,” he said, describing the waterway as a strategic tool against Iran’s enemies.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with roughly a quarter of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it under normal conditions.
Khamenei also issued a warning to regional governments hosting American forces, saying U.S. military bases in the Middle East should shut down or face possible attacks.
His remarks signaled that Iran intends to continue retaliatory operations following U.S. and Israeli strikes during the ongoing regional conflict.
“A limited amount of Iran’s revenge has already taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities,” he said.
The statement comes amid escalating hostilities between the Arab nation, the United States and Israel, which have expanded into attacks across several Gulf countries.
Energy facilities and shipping lanes in the Gulf have been targeted in recent days, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel and raising fears of a major disruption to international energy supplies.
Khamenei’s message also signals that the country may adopt a strategy of prolonged confrontation as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
Analysts say the new leader’s hardline stance suggests no immediate shift in Iran’s military posture, as Tehran seeks to retaliate for attacks that killed senior Iranian officials and triggered the current war.
(AP News)
