In first remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei vows 'revenge,' holds firm on Hormuz closure
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei did not appear on camera and his remarks were read by presenters on state media.
In his first address on Thursday, new Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and promised “revenge” against the United States and Israel.
Khamenei’s address was read on state television by presenters and he did not appear on camera himself. As global markets and energy prices recorded one of their most volatile days since the war started, Khamanei pledged to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “The leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.”
Iran announced earlier this month that it had closed the waterway, which carries about a fifth of global oil exports. The United States has since accused Tehran of laying mines in the strait and said it carried out strikes on Iranian minelayer boats this week.
In his calls for “blood revenge,” Khamenei cited the deadly strike on a girls’ school in Minab on the first day of the war that killed 150 students. Reuters reported on Thursday that the United States was likely responsible for the strike.
