Tehran – In his first public statement since ascending to the role of Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed Iran would continue its hardline policies, including maintaining the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating against U.S. Interests in the Middle East. The message, delivered via Iranian state television on Thursday, comes amid heightened tensions following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in late February.
The statement, read by a state TV broadcaster, signals a continuation of Iran’s confrontational stance toward the United States and Israel, despite the recent loss of its long-time leader. Khamenei’s address focused heavily on avenging those killed in recent conflicts and demanding reparations from the U.S. For perceived aggressions. The latest Supreme Leader’s remarks have already contributed to increased volatility in global oil markets, with prices extending gains following the broadcast, according to CNBC.
Khamenei’s legitimacy and even his current state of health have been questioned, as he has not been seen publicly since the attack that killed his father. The format of the announcement – a read statement without accompanying video or audio – has fueled speculation about his ability to fully assume the responsibilities of the Supreme Leadership. Reports indicate Khamenei was injured in the same attack that claimed his father’s life, though Iranian officials maintain he is “alive and well,” CBS News reported.
Strait of Hormuz Closure to Continue
A central tenet of Khamenei’s message was the insistence that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil supplies, would continue. He framed the closure as a “tool to pressure the enemy,” echoing previous statements from Iranian officials. The shipping of oil through the strait has effectively halted since the beginning of the recent conflict, leading Iran to warn that oil prices could reach $200 per barrel.
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Khamenei called for the immediate closure of all U.S. Military bases in the Middle East, threatening further attacks should those demands not be met. He specifically referenced targeting bases used in the recent assault on Iran, while claiming to distinguish between those bases and the countries hosting them. He urged Gulf states to “clarify their stance” and close these bases, arguing that U.S. Promises of security were “nothing but a lie.”
Family Loss and Calls for Unity
The statement also touched on the personal toll the recent attacks have taken on Khamenei and his family. He revealed the loss of his wife, sister, her child, and another sister’s spouse in the attack that killed his father. “Apart from my father, whose loss has become a public matter…,” he said, detailing the extent of his family’s tragedy. Despite this personal grief, Khamenei called for unity among the Iranian people, praising “the masses of people who have gathered in magnificent assemblies to reaffirm their allegiance to the system.”
Khamenei, 56, is described as a hardliner with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He acknowledged the difficulty of succeeding his father, stating he learned of his appointment while watching television alongside other Iranians. He also expressed gratitude for the support shown by regional allies, specifically mentioning the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Netanyahu Issues Veiled Threat
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a veiled threat against the new Supreme Leader. During a press conference, Netanyahu stated he “wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization,” referring to Iranian leadership, Reuters reported. This statement came as Netanyahu defended the joint military operation with the U.S. Against Iran.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the international community is closely monitoring Khamenei’s actions and the potential for further escalation. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the direction of Iran’s foreign policy and the broader stability of the Middle East.
What remains to be seen is how Khamenei will translate these initial statements into concrete policy and whether he can consolidate his power amidst internal divisions and external pressures. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
