Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows Revenge, Continues Strait of Hormuz Blockade
TEHERAN – Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement since being appointed, vowing retaliation against the United States and Israel for the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He also declared that Iran will continue to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route, as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Khamenei’s First Address
In a televised address delivered through a reading of his written words on Iranian state television, Mojtaba Khamenei called for national unity and affirmed Iran’s commitment to avenging the deaths of its “martyrs.” “We will never retreat and vow to avenge the blood of our martyrs,” he stated. “Our revenge will be never ending, not only for the late supreme leader, but also for the blood of all of our martyrs… Those who killed our children will pay the price.” Los Angeles Times
Threats to US Bases and Regional Allies
Khamenei warned that all U.S. Bases in the region must be closed immediately or face attack. He also indicated Iran’s support for armed groups in Yemen and Iraq, stating they “will also do the job” of attacking U.S. Interests. Al Jazeera
Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Oil Prices
The new supreme leader affirmed Iran will continue its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. This action has already contributed to a surge in oil prices, which climbed above $100 a barrel overnight. Los Angeles Times
Transition of Power
Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28th. The Assembly of Experts reached a consensus on Sunday to appoint his son as his successor. AP News He had long been considered a contender for the position, despite never holding an elected or appointed government role. AP News
Potential for Escalation
Khamenei expressed condolences for the families of those killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, where more than 165 people, many of them children, lost their lives. He warned that the continuation of the conflict “depends on the interests of the parties.” Los Angeles Times Analysts suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei could prove to be even more radical than his father. New York Times