Khamenei Says Hormuz Closure Is Leverage
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should be used as leverage in the ongoing war, marking his first public statement since taking over the country’s top post. The message, read on state television rather than delivered on camera, also signalled that Iran intends to continue military pressure across the Gulf as the conflict widens.
Mojtaba Khamenei Backs Strait Of Hormuz Leverage
In the statement, Khamenei said the strategic waterway should remain shut as a pressure tool against Iran’s enemies. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a large share of global oil and gas shipments. Any sustained threat to traffic through the strait is closely watched by governments, shipping companies and energy markets because of its direct effect on prices and supply security.
Iran Warns Of Continued Gulf Attacks
Khamenei also warned that attacks linked to Iran’s wartime posture would continue against Gulf Arab states seen as supporting the United States and Israel. The remarks pointed to a broader strategy of using regional pressure, not just direct military exchanges with Israel, to raise the cost of the war for Iran’s rivals. The statement therefore carried both military and economic implications, especially at a time when tanker security and shipping routes are already under strain.
First Public Statement Since Taking Top Role
This was the first public statement attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei since he succeeded his father as supreme leader. The message was read by a state television anchor, while Khamenei himself did not appear on screen. His absence is likely to draw attention because wartime reporting has included claims that he may have been wounded in earlier strikes, though no official confirmation has been provided. The statement nevertheless made clear that Iran’s new leadership is signalling continuity in confrontation rather than any immediate move toward de-escalation.
