Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed
- Publish date: Thursday، 12 March 2026 Reading time: 1 min read
Mojtaba Khamenei says the key global oil route should remain shut to pressure enemies as the regional war continues to escalate.
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Iran’s newly installed supreme leader has made his first public remarks since taking power — and the message was clear.
Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran intends to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, describing the move as a way to put pressure on its enemies.
His statement was read on Iranian state television, marking his first official remarks since assuming leadership.
Key Global Oil Route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, running along Iran’s coastline and connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes.
Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Call for US Bases to Close
Khamenei also demanded that the United States shut down its military bases across the region, as tensions continue to escalate.
The remarks come as the war triggered by the late-February bombing campaign involving the US and Israel continues to intensify.
Major Impact on Global Energy
The conflict has already had a major global impact.
According to the International Energy Agency, the crisis has triggered the biggest disruption to global energy supplies in history.
So far, the war has killed around 2,000 people, with the situation continuing to affect energy markets, shipping routes, and regional security.