Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has ordered that the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz remain closed, escalating tensions in the Middle East as the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and regional allies intensifies.
The directive was delivered in a message broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday. The statement was read by a news presenter because Khamenei, who was reportedly injured during recent air strikes, has not appeared publicly since being named supreme leader last Sunday.
Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the first wave of joint US-Israeli strikes that marked the beginning of the escalating Middle East conflict.
In his message, the new Iranian leader called for the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes through which a large portion of global energy supplies pass each day. He also urged Gulf countries to shut down United States military bases operating within their territories, a move that could significantly reshape the security landscape of the region.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump defended the aggressive stance taken by the United States, stating that stopping Iran’s “evil empire” is more important than protecting global oil prices. His remarks suggest that Washington is prepared to tolerate potential economic consequences in order to confront Tehran’s leadership and military influence.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already raised serious concerns among global markets and governments worldwide, as the waterway is a vital corridor for international oil shipments connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets.
With tensions continuing to rise and both sides maintaining hardline positions, analysts warn that the situation could have major geopolitical and economic consequences, particularly for energy supplies and regional stability in the Middle East.
