Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows Unrelenting War, Keeps Strait of Hormuz Closed
By Juba Global News Network Staff
JubaGlobal.com
March 13, 2026
In his first public message since being elevated to supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a defiant vow Thursday: Iran will pursue unrelenting revenge against the United States and Israel, maintain the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a key lever of pressure, and consider opening additional fronts in the escalating war. The statement, read aloud by a state television anchor accompanied by a still photograph of the new leader rather than a live appearance, has intensified global anxiety over the conflict now in its third week and further fueled the historic oil supply crisis gripping world markets.
The message marks the first direct communication attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei since the Assembly of Experts unanimously selected him as supreme leader on March 9, just days after the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, several family members, and top military commanders on February 28. Questions about his health have swirled since reports emerged that he suffered leg injuries in the initial attack that claimed his father’s life — injuries confirmed by Iranian officials and diplomats but whose severity remains unclear. His absence from video or public view has only amplified speculation, even as the regime projects unbreakable resolve.
Key Excerpts from the Statement
Broadcast on state-run IRIB television and disseminated through official channels, the written declaration emphasized continuity with the hardline stance of his predecessor while sharpening threats amid the ongoing bombardment:
- On revenge and martyrdom: “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs. The retaliation we have in mind is not limited only to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes a separate case in the file of revenge.” Khamenei pledged that Iran would seek compensation from its enemies — through destruction of property if necessary — and vowed “never-ending” pursuit of justice for all Iranian losses.
- On the Strait of Hormuz: “The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must definitely continue to be used.” He described the near-total halt of commercial traffic through the chokepoint — which carries about one-fifth of global seaborne oil — as a legitimate and ongoing tool of leverage against the US and its allies. Iranian forces have mined approaches, deployed naval assets, and threatened tankers, effectively choking exports from the Persian Gulf.
- On Gulf allies and US bases: Khamenei called on populations in Gulf Arab states to “shut down” American military facilities, dismissing US security guarantees as “nothing more than a lie.” He promised continued attacks on energy infrastructure and military targets across the region, signaling no immediate de-escalation despite mounting economic pain.
- On escalation: The leader hinted at opening “other fronts” where adversaries have “little experience and would be highly vulnerable,” a phrase analysts interpret as a reference to potential proxy activations (Houthis in Yemen, militias in Iraq and Syria) or asymmetric operations beyond current missile and drone barrages.
The statement praised Iran’s armed forces and Revolutionary Guard for their “brave” resistance and urged national unity in the face of what it called “Zionist-American aggression.”
Immediate Global Impact
Issued amid fresh Iranian drone and missile waves targeting Gulf states — including explosions in Dubai and intercepts over Saudi Arabia — the message dashed hopes of any near-term ceasefire. Oil prices, already at multi-year highs above $100 per barrel, spiked further on the explicit reaffirmation of the Hormuz blockade. The International Energy Agency has warned of the most severe supply shock in modern history, with tanker traffic near zero and rerouting adding massive costs and delays.
President Donald Trump responded dismissively on social media, calling the statement “desperate” and reiterating that “Iran has practically nothing left” after weeks of strikes. He suggested Mojtaba Khamenei was “damaged” but “probably alive in some form,” while hinting at intensified operations if threats persist. White House officials have privately indicated the administration views the new leader’s words as posturing rather than a strategic shift.
Broader Context: Succession Amid War
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, long rumored as a potential successor due to his close ties to the IRGC and clerical establishment, assumed power in an extraordinary wartime transition. His selection by the Assembly of Experts — announced unanimously — signals hardliners’ determination to maintain continuity despite devastating early losses. Yet his low public profile, injury reports, and reliance on written statements have raised questions about internal stability and his personal command.
Iranian officials insist the leadership remains unified, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and IRGC commanders coordinating responses. The supreme leader’s message reinforces that Tehran sees no path to negotiation without security guarantees, reparations, and withdrawal of foreign forces — demands unlikely to be met amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and US refueling support.
What Comes Next?
With Hezbollah barrages continuing into northern Israel, Gulf attacks spreading, and the Hormuz closure holding firm, the war shows no signs of abating. Analysts warn that Khamenei’s vow of “unrelenting” resistance could prolong the attritional fight, deepen the humanitarian crisis inside Iran (where civilian infrastructure has suffered heavy damage), and push global energy markets toward sustained crisis.
Juba Global News Network will continue providing real-time coverage from Tehran, the Gulf, and Washington as this pivotal development unfolds.
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