Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, has vowed that the country will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, in his first public statement since assuming power. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. The message was broadcast on Iranian state television, though Khamenei did not appear in person. Instead, the statement was read aloud by a news presenter. In the message, he pledged that Iran would seek revenge for citizens killed during the war with the United States and Israel, while warning neighbouring countries to close American military bases on their territory. Leadership change after wartime strikeKhamenei was named supreme leader on March 8 after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed during the opening day of the conflict. The senior leader died in a joint U.S.–Israeli strike on the supreme leader’s compound. According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei also lost his wife and one of his sons in the same attack. His mother was initially reported killed as well, though at least one Iranian media outlet has since suggested she may have survived. The Reuters news agency, citing an unnamed Iranian official, reported that Khamenei himself was “lightly injured” during the strike. However, there have been no confirmed details about his condition. He has not appeared in public since being appointed and no verified photographs or videos have been released showing him since the leadership change. Iran’s state television has described him as a “veteran of the Ramadan war,” though it has not confirmed whether he was wounded. Strait of Hormuz central to strategyIn his statement, Khamenei said Iran would continue using the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the conflict. The narrow waterway carries a large portion of the world’s oil and gas shipments. He described the route as an area where “the enemy is highly vulnerable” and suggested blocking it could place pressure on Western powers and their allies. Warning to regional neighboursKhamenei also warned neighbouring countries against allowing U.S. military bases to operate within their borders. Iran shares land or maritime borders with 15 countries across the region. “We have always sought warm and constructive relations with all of them,” the statement said. However, he urged governments in the region to clarify their position regarding the conflict. “These countries must clarify their stance toward the aggressors against our homeland and the killers of our people,” the message said. Khamenei added that regional states should close American bases “as soon as possible.” He also said Iran would continue targeting U.S. military facilities across the region as part of its response to the ongoing war. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026
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