Iran's new Supreme Leader says Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, warns US bases could be targeted in first remarks
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first statement since assuming office, said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as leverage against the United States and warned that attacks on regional targets would continue.
The statement was read out on Iranian state television on Thursday by a news anchor, with Khamenei not appearing on camera.
He warned that US military bases in the region could come under attack if they continue to operate.
“I recommend that they close those bases as soon as possible, because they must have realised by now that the claim of establishing security and peace by America was nothing more than a lie,” he said.
Khamenei also vowed revenge for those killed in the war, saying Iran would seek compensation from its adversaries. If compensation was not provided, he warned that Iran would target their assets.
“A limited amount of this revenge has so far taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities,” he said.
Tribute to father
Speaking about his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Khamenei said Iran would never retreat and would resist “with full force”, vowing to avenge not just his father but every Iranian citizen killed in the conflict.
“I had the honour of seeing his body after his martyrdom,” he said. “What I saw was a mountain of steadfastness.”
He added that he would continue along the path set by his father and said Iran would not forget “the blood of the martyrs”.
Khamenei also thanked allied armed groups across the region, including fighters from Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq, referring to them collectively as the “Resistance Front”.
Iran’s conditions to end war
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined three conditions for ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said any resolution must recognise Iran’s legitimate rights, include payment of compensation for damages caused during the war, and provide firm international guarantees that Iran would not face future attacks.
“The only way to end this war — ignited by the Zionist regime and the US — is recognising Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression,” he wrote.
Economic pressure strategy
Iran has also intensified attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, pushing global oil prices above $100 a barrel on Thursday.
Analysts say Tehran appears to be attempting to create economic pressure on the United States and Israel by disrupting global energy supplies through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran, and there are currently no signs of a ceasefire, with Iranian officials indicating that attacks could continue until security guarantees are secured.
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