The critical Strait of Hormuz will remain essentially closed as a “tool of pressure,” according to a statement released today attributed to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The announcement comes as the conflict between Iran and the United States enters its 13th day, and as the world grapples with what the International Energy Agency has called “the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.” Brent crude oil hovered around $100 a barrel on Thursday, according to reports.
The statement, read on Iranian state TV, is the first purported message from Khamenei since his appointment following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28th. The new leader’s message also indicated that Iran’s neighbors are being targeted due to the presence of U.S. Bases in the region. However, questions remain about the extent of Khamenei’s influence and even his current status, with some observers doubting the significance of the announcement.
Pedram Hamidi, who grew up in Iran under the existing regime and now resides in Canada, expressed skepticism about the new leader’s impact. “He’s irrelevant,” Hamidi told CNN on Thursday. “We’re fighting the IRGC at this point.” Hamidi also voiced doubts about whether Khamenei is even alive, noting the lack of any visual or audio confirmation of his leadership. “There’s not even a single video of it,” he said, “Not even from a bunker.”
Hamidi, who previously spoke with CNN in January during a period of anti-government protests in Iran, shared that his parents remain in Iran without internet access, living in fear amidst the ongoing conflict. “Bombs are dropping – but at the same time they wish something to be done,” he said, reflecting the complex emotions felt by many Iranians.
Khamenei’s Background and Potential Strategy
According to Hamidi, Mojtaba Khamenei was known within Iran for his role in supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s successful presidential bid in 2005. “After that people knew Mojtaba as the most politically involved child of Ali Khamenei. So, we knew he was kind of being groomed to turn into the next leader,” he explained. This history suggests a continuation of hardline policies under the new leadership. Analysts suggest Mojtaba Khamenei could prove to be even more radical than his father.
Hamidi believes the regime’s strategy in threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz is aimed at “trying to increase the economic and political price of this war on Trump so he basically quits, declares success and victory and just leaves.” The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil shipments, and its closure would have significant economic consequences.
Divergent Perspectives on the New Leadership
Elie Bassalian, a New York resident with Iranian heritage, also expressed skepticism about the impact of Khamenei’s statement. “Nothing’s really going to change unless they get new leadership,” he said, adding that he views the regime’s pronouncements as mere propaganda. Bassalian’s parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States before the 1979 revolution, and he maintains strong ties to his Iranian background, celebrating his Jewish faith and heritage with Persian cuisine.
“We’re proudly Jewish, we’re also proudly American and we’re also proud of our Iranian background,” Bassalian said. “When we get together for our Sabbath, we’re Jewish and we’re doing all the Jewish rituals, but we’re eating Persian food.” He expressed hope for success for both the United States and Israel in the ongoing conflict.
US Response and Regional Concerns
The United States has indicated a desire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright stating the demand for the waterway to be accessible. However, CNN reports that the US Navy is not yet fully prepared to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing attacks on ships in the area. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister has instructed the military to prepare for expanded operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where renewed fighting has already displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership are still uncertain. The Jerusalem Post reports that Khamenei faces narrowing support, with some analysts suggesting the choice of a hardliner may backfire and further isolate the regime. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the conflict or whether the situation will continue to escalate.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains focused on the potential for further disruption to global oil supplies and the broader implications for regional stability. The lack of visible leadership from Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei only adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Iran and the ongoing crisis.
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