Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as a retaliatory measure against ongoing US-Israel attacks that began on February 28, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing local media.
“The desire of the people is to continue effective defence and inflict regret on the enemy,” Khamenei said in his first public message since assuming the position, according to state-run media.
He highlighted that Iran has evaluated opening other frontlines as part of the current conflict, targeting areas where enemy forces are inexperienced and highly exposed.
“Activating these frontlines may occur if the war persists and aligns with national interest considerations,” he added, urging participation in the annual Quds Day ceremonies to emphasise resistance against adversaries.
Khamenei also vowed that Tehran would “seek justice for the blood of Iranian citizens” who were killed during the attacks.
Tensions in West Asia escalated after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which have so far killed more than 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and over 150 female school students. More than 10,000 others sustained injuries.
In response, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf nations hosting US military assets.
Eight US military personnel have reportedly died since the onset of the conflict.
Mojtaba Khamenei was officially declared as his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s successor earlier this week.
