Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as a “tool to pressure the enemy”, in his first public comments since assuming the country’s top leadership role.
In televised remarks carried by Iranian state media, Khamenei also demanded the immediate closure of all United States Armed Forces bases across the Middle East, warning they could face attacks if they remain operational.
“The Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a tool to pressure the enemy,” he said, adding that American military bases in the region “must close immediately” and warning that “those bases will be attacked.”
The comments come amid intensifying conflict following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, late last month.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was appointed supreme leader on March 9, days after the longtime Iranian leader was killed in a strike on his compound. Several members of the family also died in the attack, while Mojtaba Khamenei was reported to have been injured.
“Iran will not refrain from avenging the blood of its martyrs,” he said, calling on Iranians to remain united in the face of what he described as foreign aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Around a fifth of global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Oil shipments through the strait have largely halted since the outbreak of hostilities, pushing global crude prices higher amid fears of prolonged disruption to supplies.
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Iran warned earlier this week that oil prices could rise to as much as US$200 per barrel if the crisis deepens.
Following Khamenei’s comments on Thursday, oil prices extended gains on international markets, reflecting growing concern about the security of energy supplies.
Tensions in the region have escalated sharply in recent weeks, with U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and strategic infrastructure. There are few signs that the military campaign is nearing an end, with air and naval operations intensifying this week.
Iran has stepped up retaliatory actions, including attacks on commercial vessels in or near the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Reacting to the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader, Donald Trump expressed concern about the development.
“I don’t believe he can live in peace,” the U.S. president said in an interview with Fox News, adding that he was “disappointed” by the decision of Iranian clerics to select him.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, analysts say it remains unclear whether the United States aims to pursue regime change in Tehran as part of its military campaign.
Experts say air strikes alone are unlikely to unseat Iran’s leadership.
In his remarks, Khamenei warned that Iran would seek compensation from its adversaries for damage caused during the conflict.
“Iran will seek compensation from enemies,” he said, adding that the country would “destroy their assets accordingly” if necessary.
The fate of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments — remains a key concern for international markets as tensions continue to rise in the region.
