Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows Continued Attacks Amidst Escalating Conflict

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to continue attacks on Gulf Arab countries and maintain pressure on the United States and Israel, according to a statement released Thursday. This declaration comes in the wake of his father’s death in an Israeli strike and as the conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies and regional stability.

Escalation Following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Death

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, 2026, in an Israeli attack as confirmed by NPR. The Iranian government announced 40 days of mourning following the death of the Supreme Leader, who had held power since 1989 according to NPR.

The statement, read by a state TV news anchor, signaled a willingness to continue the war that has disrupted global energy supplies and international travel. Israel has claimed its strikes have killed top Iranian nuclear scientists, aiming to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, which the U.S. And Israel suspect is intended for weapons development, a claim Iran denies.

Joint US-Israeli Operations and Regional Impact

The conflict is a joint operation between the United States and Israel, utilizing strategic intelligence from the US Central Intelligence Agency as detailed in Wikipedia. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated a commitment to “finish the job,” even while acknowledging Iran is “virtually destroyed,” and prioritizing preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons over rising oil prices according to the BBC.

The U.S. Military reports having struck over 6,000 targets since the operation began, including more than 30 minelaying vessels. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have launched rockets from Lebanon toward Israel, prompting retaliatory strikes. The United Nations refugee agency estimates up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced by the conflict, primarily from Tehran and other major cities.

Threats to Regional Stability and Economic Consequences

Khamenei has called on Gulf Arab nations to “shut down” U.S. Bases in the region, alleging that U.S. Protection is unreliable. He also warned of “opening other fronts” where Iran believes its adversaries are vulnerable, referencing potential attacks on U.S., Israeli, and Jewish targets globally as reported by the BBC.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, and claims to have “full control” over the strait, conducting strikes in response to attacks on its oil infrastructure according to Iranian Ambassador Mir Masoud Hosseinian. This closure has contributed to a rise in oil prices, reaching $100 per barrel, and a decline in global stock markets.

Recent Developments and International Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced Khamenei as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards” and appealed to the Iranian people to seek a “new path of freedom.” Israel has also struck a nuclear facility in Iran, aiming to destroy the remaining elements of its nuclear program.

Several U.S. Personnel were injured in drone strikes in northern Iraq, and similar attacks were reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for de-escalation and dialogue to end the war, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.