Strait of Hormuz must remain closed

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei made a bold statement on Thursday, advocating for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic move to pressure their adversaries.

Khamenei also called for the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East, warning that these bases would be targeted for attacks.

Following these remarks, oil prices surged as the shipping of oil through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted due to ongoing conflict, leading to global oil price spikes. Iran even issued a warning that oil prices could reach $200 per barrel.

These statements mark Khamenei’s first public address since assuming the role of Iran’s supreme leader after the tragic assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes carried out by the U.S. and Israel.

Having been injured in the attack that claimed the lives of his father and other family members, Khamenei vowed to avenge the blood of the martyrs and called for unity among the Iranian people.

Regarded as more hardline and conservative than his father, Khamenei had maintained a low profile in Iran before his elevation to the position of supreme leader.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment in Khamenei’s selection, expressing doubts about the potential for peaceful coexistence.

Despite Trump’s remarks, the White House’s intentions regarding regime change in Tehran remain unclear. Experts believe that airstrikes alone may not be sufficient to overthrow Iran’s leadership.

Recent military operations have shown no signs of abating, with both U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s critical infrastructure escalating. In response, Iran has intensified its retaliatory actions, targeting tankers in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.

Khamenei declared that Iran would pursue compensation from its enemies or retaliate by targeting their assets.