Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says Strait of Hormuz should remain shut - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuAFBVV95cUxPSVdtMWFXZm1oZGZidU9wUVN5UGNTeUJ4NUVyWE5WenJzNlVyaE5UN05WTzZkRVRKTlhPb1UzZWhfVWxaekxQRXFQY1lzRkJPbFF2T3ZJYk9OdWVPd2hjbW02djZtdFctbjY2eUhyc3htSklWY2NScFlUZTVlWXZvbU5ybkE0RkNfZUkzM3B2UldSa0pXYjRTWGExUk83UGVzc1lNMWNpeUZwNkJEQ3M2UHEzT2p4NDZO?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei says Strait of Hormuz should remain shut</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

As the war between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance intensifies, crude oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, triggering global economic concerns. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed continued retaliation and called for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf Arab nations.

In his first public statement amid ongoing conflict, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei addressed key issues related to the war, including the strategic weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz and the potential to open new fronts in the war.

In his first public statement as Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei vowed retaliation against the United States and Israel for their ongoing military actions. Khamenei warned that Iran would continue attacking U.S. military bases in the region unless they are shut down and promised to maintain control over the critical Strait of Hormuz as leverage.

In a provocative first statement as Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has threatened the U.S. with continued oil disruptions and potential military attacks in retaliation for the assassination of his family during Donald Trump’s military campaign. Vowing vengeance, Khamenei declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global oil transit route—will be used to pressure American interests, causing further spikes in gas prices and disrupting global energy flows.

As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has vowed to prevent oil shipments to its enemies, declaring targeted threats against any vessels en route to them. This comes amid incidents involving damaged cargo ships and confirmed U.S. military action against Iranian mine-laying ships. With growing concerns about potential disruptions, insurance companies are hesitating to cover tankers, and oil prices are spiking. In response, former President Donald Trump has suggested a U.S. Navy-led escort strategy to ensure tanker passage.