Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade; New Leader Issues Warning in First Address

Iran - Ekhbary News Agency

Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade; New Leader Issues Warning in First Address

Following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his subsequent appointment as Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has issued his first public statement. The pre-recorded message, read by a news anchor on Iranian state television, underscored Iran's readiness to employ the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz," identifying the crucial waterway as an area where "the enemy is highly vulnerable." The statement also delivered a stern warning to neighboring countries, urging them to shut down American military installations on their soil.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who ascended to the leadership on March 8th after his father's death in the war with the U.S. and Israel, declared that Iran would "avenge the blood" of Iranians killed in the conflict. These pronouncements come amidst personal tragedy for the new leader, who reportedly lost his wife and a son in a U.S.-Israeli strike on the Supreme Leader's compound that claimed his father's life. His mother was also reported killed in the attack, though conflicting reports from an Iranian outlet suggest she may be alive.

Initial reports from Reuters, citing an unnamed Iranian official, indicated that Khamenei sustained "minor injuries," but specific details remain undisclosed. He has not been seen publicly since assuming leadership, and no photographs or videos of him have been released. Iran's state TV news channel has referred to him as a "veteran of the Ramadan war," without providing further confirmation regarding any injuries.

In his address, Khamenei reiterated that Iran would continue its policy of targeting U.S. bases in the region. While asserting Tehran's policy of "friendship" with its neighbors, he issued a stark warning: these nations must clarify their stance towards "aggressors against our homeland and the killers of our people" and "close those bases as soon as possible." He stated, "We share land or maritime borders with 15 neighboring countries and have always sought warm and constructive relations with all of them."

The new Iranian leader also referenced "crimes against children, such as the deliberate crime at the Minab school." According to American media reports, U.S. investigators believe American forces mistakenly struck a school in southern Iran, which was situated near a military base.

Khamenei revealed that he learned of his appointment as Supreme Leader through the nation's state television: "I learned about the result of the vote of the esteemed Assembly of Experts at the same time as you and through the Islamic Republic's television."

These developments unfold just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the situation, describing Iran's new leader as a "puppet" of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards who "can't show his face in public." When questioned by reporters about Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu remarked, "I wouldn't issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organisation," according to Reuters.

Iran has a history of threatening disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Blockades or attacks on oil tankers in the Strait and the broader Gulf region have historically led to significant spikes in global oil prices. On Wednesday, Tehran signaled its expectation for oil prices to reach $200 per barrel, warning that any tanker destined for the U.S., Israel, or their allies would be considered a legitimate target. The International Energy Agency has issued a stark warning, stating that global oil markets are currently experiencing "the largest supply disruption in history."

Ekhbary News Agency