Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, has vowed to continue blocking the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, in his first statement since assuming leadership of the Islamic Republic.
The message, attributed to Khamenei and broadcast on Iranian state television, declared that Iran would maintain its blockade of the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global oil markets despite mounting international pressure and escalating military confrontations in the region.
Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader, has not appeared publicly since taking power. Reports cited by BBC Persian indicate that speculation continues about his condition, with unconfirmed claims suggesting he may have been injured or possibly killed, although verified information remains limited.
The latest developments come amid a sharp escalation of hostilities across the Gulf region. At least three additional cargo vessels have reportedly been attacked in the waters near the Persian Gulf, with Iranian state media acknowledging that Iranian forces were responsible for at least one of the strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the strait raises concerns about global energy supplies and international trade.
Meanwhile, inside Tehran, ongoing air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel have reportedly targeted checkpoints run by the Basij, a volunteer militia that has historically been deployed by Iranian authorities to suppress anti-government protests.
The wider conflict has also spread into Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have intensified in recent days. Several people were reported killed in the capital Beirut, including at least eight residents in the city’s seafront district. One witness described waking up “in a panic” to the sound of powerful explosions during the overnight attacks.
According to the Lebanon Ministry of Public Health, the death toll in Lebanon has now risen to 687 since hostilities began on March 2. The figures include 98 children and 62 women, while at least 1,774 people have been injured, among them 304 children and 328 women.
Israel has launched an expanding military offensive against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group based in Lebanon, conducting daily air strikes while pushing ground forces deeper into southern parts of the country.
Elsewhere in the region, the John Healey, the United Kingdom’s defence secretary, said British forces stationed in Erbil, Iraq, shot down two drones overnight. Some projectiles reportedly struck nearby positions, leaving several United States troops stationed in the area with minor injuries.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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