Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader of Iran, stated that his country will continue to close the Strait of Hormuz to put pressure on Iran’s enemies.
He made the remarks on Thursday in a recorded address — his first since succeeding his father as the nation’s leader on Sunday.
Earlier, on March 2, a commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the strait “closed” and warned that any vessel attempting to pass would be set “ablaze.”
As a result, major container shipping lines suspended sailings through the strait and the Suez Canal due to rising security risks.
At least five tankers have been damaged, two personnel killed, and roughly 150 ships remain stranded near the strait, which separates Iran from Oman.
Crude oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel on Monday, marking the highest level since July 2022.
On Wednesday, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, said oil prices will reach $200 a barrel.
He emphasized that Iran would not allow “a single litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, Israel, and their allies.
US President Donald Trump warned that “death, fire, and fury will reign upon them (Iran)” if the oil flow through the passage was stopped.
Khamenei reaffirmed Iran’s position in his speech.
He added that Iran seeks good relations with neighboring countries but insisted that all US military bases must be immediately closed in the region, or they will continue to be attacked.
The supreme leader also stated that Iran will keep fighting to avenge “the blood of our martyrs” and thanked the military for their sacrifices.
Additionally, Khamenei mentioned that plans are underway to provide financial support to those affected by the conflict.