Iran's new Supreme Leader publicly states for the first time: the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "will continue to exert pressure," and threatens attacks on U.S. military bases.

Moqtada Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, issued his first public statement since taking office, reaffirming that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue and warning that all U.S. military bases in the Middle East will be attacked. International oil prices immediately responded with a rise.

The blockade “as a tool of pressure” will persist

On Thursday, March 13, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first public statement since assuming office, stating that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained, positioning it as “a tool to pressure the enemy.”

Mojtaba also, through a televised statement, demanded the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East and warned, “These bases will be attacked.” The statement was read by a broadcaster on Iran’s state television, with Reuters subsequently translating it.

Since the outbreak of conflict, oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz has essentially come to a halt, causing a sharp rise in global oil prices. After the statement was issued, oil prices continued to climb. Iran had warned on Wednesday that the price of crude oil could rise to $200 per barrel.

Succeeding after his father’s assassination, a hardline stance draws attention

56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei was officially appointed as Iran’s Supreme Leader on March 9, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei. The latter was killed during the joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in late February, along with several other close family members. Mojtaba himself was injured in the attack targeting his father’s residence.

Khamenei called on the Iranian people to unite in his statement, emphasizing “Iran will not abandon revenge for the martyrs,” and stated that Iran will seek compensation from the enemy, “or destroy their assets in retaliation.”

The public generally perceives Mojtaba as more hardline and conservative compared to his father. Although he has maintained a low profile domestically before inheriting the position of Supreme Leader.

U.S. expresses “disappointment,” tensions continue to escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly expressed “disappointment” regarding his appointment, stating in an interview with Fox News, “I don’t believe he can coexist peacefully.”

However, it remains unclear whether the White House has already made “overthrowing the Tehran regime” one of the main objectives of this military action. Analysts point out that airstrikes alone are unlikely to shake Iran’s current leadership.

Currently, U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and maritime attacks targeting Iran’s critical infrastructure and military facilities have significantly intensified this week, with no signs of stopping. Iran has also increased retaliatory actions, with several oil tankers passing through or near the Strait of Hormuz being attacked this week.

This article, “Iran’s new Supreme Leader publicly states: Strait of Hormuz blockade ‘will continue to exert pressure,’ threatens to attack U.S. military bases,” first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.