Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed supreme leader of Iran, said the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed as part of Tehran’s effort to pressure its opponents. The statement marked his first public comments since he took the role earlier this week.
In remarks broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the closure of the strategic waterway must continue. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes, and a large share of global crude exports normally moves through the narrow passage.
The disruption has already shaken global energy markets. Oil shipments through the strait have slowed sharply since the conflict began, contributing to a sharp rise in international oil prices.
Khamenei wants U.S. military bases in the Middle East shut down right away. He cautioned that if things get more heated, more attacks might happen.
He took over as supreme leader after his father, Ali Khamenei, passed away. Ali Khamenei was killed in air strikes by the U.S. and Israel earlier this year.
Oil prices climbed further after the comments, as traders weighed the risk that the vital shipping route could remain blocked for an extended period.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump criticised the leadership transition in Tehran and questioned whether Iran’s new leadership would move toward stability as the conflict continues.
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