New Iranian Supreme leader’s first message calls for continued closure of Strait of Hormuz

The new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, called today for the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affirming that Iran “will not refrain from retaliation” in response to what he described as attacks against the country.

In his first message since taking office, Khamenei said he learned of the decision appointing him as Supreme Leader through Iranian state television. He added that his country would not back down from responding to what he described as the “crimes committed by the enemy,” referring to the recent attacks.

He stressed that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should continue as a “tool of pressure against the enemy,” calling for action in what he described as the “soft arenas of the enemies.” He also indicated that if the war continues, Tehran may activate new fronts “in which the enemy has no experience.”

Despite the regional tensions, Khamenei stated that he believes in establishing relations based on friendship with neighboring countries, adding that Tehran is ready to build “friendly and sincere relations with all its neighbors.”

The new Iranian Supreme Leader emphasized that “revenge has not yet been completed,” thanking what he described as the “fighters of the resistance front,” and stressing that Iran will demand compensation from its adversaries for the damages, or will target their assets.

ANHA