Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has pledged to maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in his first statement since taking power, according to Iranian state television.
The statement, attributed to Khamenei, says Iran will continue restricting movement through the vital global shipping route and will “avenge the blood of Iranians” killed in recent attacks. He has not appeared in public since succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through the narrow channel. Any prolonged disruption is likely to heighten tensions in international energy markets and raise fears of wider regional instability.
Meanwhile, maritime security incidents are increasing across the Gulf region. Iraqi port officials say a foreign tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil caught fire after sustaining damage in Iraq’s territorial waters near Basra. The incident followed reported attacks on two foreign tankers in the same area.
Additional vessels have also come under attack elsewhere in the Gulf. Two tankers were reportedly struck near Iraq, while a container ship was hit near the United Arab Emirates. Iranian state media say Iranian forces were responsible for at least one of the strikes.
Inside Iran, joint US–Israeli strikes on the capital, Tehran, have targeted street checkpoints operated by the Basij, a volunteer militia known for suppressing anti-government protests.
The US and Israel say their military campaign is aimed at creating conditions that could encourage public dissent against Iran’s leadership. However, civilians living in affected areas say the strikes are deepening fear and uncertainty as the conflict intensifies.
Elsewhere in the region, Israeli strikes have also hit parts of Beirut in Lebanon. Officials say several people were killed, including at least eight in the city’s seafront district. One resident described waking up “in a panic” to the sound of powerful explosions.
The escalating violence across multiple fronts is raising concerns of a broader regional confrontation, with global powers closely monitoring developments in the strategically vital Gulf region.
Credit: BBC News
