Iran’s Latest Leader Faces Skepticism as Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

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.

Doubts Over New Leadership

However, questions remain about the extent of Ayatollah Mojtaba 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.

Background and Political History

Hamidi noted that Mojtaba Khamenei was known for his involvement in Iranian politics prior to his father’s death. “After that people knew Mojtaba as the most politically involved child of Ali Khamenei. So, we knew he was kind of being groomed to become the next leader,” he said.

Reactions and Perspectives

Elie Bassalian, a New York resident with Iranian heritage, also expressed doubt about the impact of Khamenei’s statements. “Nothing’s really going to change unless they get new leadership,” he said. “I don’t really dwell on any words that they say.” Bassalian’s parents and grandparents immigrated to New York from Iran before the 1979 revolution.

Bassalian expressed support for both the United States and Israel, stating, “I’m hoping that America succeeds and Israel succeeds.”

Strait of Hormuz Closure

Regarding Khamenei’s statement about closing the Strait of Hormuz, Hamidi believes the regime’s tactic is “trying to increase the economic and political price of this war on Trump so he basically quits, declares success and victory and just leaves.”