Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message after taking over the country’s top leadership role. The statement, read on Iranian state television, said Iran should continue using the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz”.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued his first public message since taking over the country’s top leadership role. The statement was read out by a presenter on Iranian state television. It marks the first time people have heard directly from him since he was selected to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Officials and media outlets around the world are closely watching the message because it gives the first clear sign of how Iran’s new leadership plans to approach regional tensions and international relations.
Statement broadcast on Iranian state television
The message from Mojtaba Khamenei was not delivered by him directly on camera. Instead, it was read aloud by a presenter on Iranian state TV. Journalists from BBC Persian monitored the broadcast and translated key parts of the statement.
The message mainly focused on Iran’s position in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its stance toward foreign military presence in the region.
Call to continue pressure through Strait of Hormuz
In the statement, Mojtaba Khamenei said that Iran should continue using what he described as the ‘lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz’.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. A large share of the world’s oil and energy supplies passes through this narrow waterway. By referring to the strait as a “lever”, the new leader suggested that Iran sees control over this route as a powerful tool in the ongoing conflict and diplomatic tensions.
The comments are likely to increase concerns in global energy markets because any disruption in this area can affect oil supplies worldwide.
Message to neighbouring countries
Mojtaba Khamenei also spoke about Iran’s relationship with countries in the region. He said Iran has a policy of ‘friendship’ with its neighbouring nations.
However, he advised these countries to close American military bases on their territory.
According to the translated statement, he warned that Iran would continue to target US bases in the region if tensions remain.