Iran Confirms Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Closed, Warns U.S. Presence Must End

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, confirmed in his first public statement that the country will maintain its closure of the Strait of Hormuz to exert pressure on its adversaries.

In a recorded speech Thursday, Khamenei outlined Iran’s stance following his succession of his father as the nation’s leader on Sunday.

The closure, initially declared on March 2 by a Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, prompted shipping lines to suspend routes through the strait and the Suez Canal amid heightened security concerns. At least five tankers have been damaged, two personnel killed, and roughly 150 vessels remain stranded near the waterway separating Iran and Oman. Crude oil prices surged above $100 per barrel Monday, marking the highest level since July 2022.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, projected that oil prices could reach $200 per barrel and stated Iran will block the passage of oil benefiting the U.S., Israel, and their allies.

Khamenei reiterated this position, emphasizing that Iran seeks constructive relations with neighboring countries but demands the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the region, warning that attacks will continue otherwise. He pledged ongoing military action to avenge “the blood of our martyrs” and announced plans to provide financial support for those affected by the conflict.