Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Orders Strait Of Hormuz Closed Amid War, Signals More Attacks On US

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 20:15 IST

In his first statement since the war killed his father, Khamenei said Iran's attacks on US bases in Gulf countries would continue and vowed to avenge the blood of 'martyrs'.

In his first statement since the US-Israeli war against Tehran, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei sent a defiant message to Washington, calling for the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed and for Gulf countries to immediately close all US military bases. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

“Dear combatant brothers, the demand of the masses is the continuation of an effective and regret-inducing defence," Khamenei said in a statement read out by the Iranian state-controlled media.

“The lever of closing the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used as well. Studies have also been conducted on opening other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and would be highly vulnerable. Their activation will take place, if the wartime situation continues and in accordance with considerations of expediency," he added.

Khamenei said the country won’t forget the revenge “for the blood of martyrs", adding that while Iran sought friendship with neighbouring countries, the attacks on US bases in the Gulf region would continue.

‘Will Avenge Blood Of Martyrs’: Mojtaba Khamenei Warns Attack On US Bases In West Asia Will Continue

“These countries must clarify their position regarding those who have attacked our beloved homeland and killed members of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, because by now they must have realised that the United States’ claims of providing security and peace have been nothing more than a lie," he further said.

Khamenei Says Iran Will Seek Reparations

The new Supreme Leader, who was appointed after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the initial wave of US-Israeli strikes on February 28, thanked Iran’s “brave fighters" for defending the country from the “leaders of the front of arrogance."

“One point I must emphasise is that, in any case, we will obtain compensation from the enemy. If it refuses, we will take from its assets to the extent we deem appropriate, and if that is not possible, we will destroy its assets to the same extent," he added.

Khamenei’s remarks also suggested that Iran may open up new fronts in the war, which has already disrupted global energy prices, international travel and the safety of the Gulf countries.

He also acknowledged in his speech the death of his father, saying, “I had the honour of seeing his body after his martyrdom." He also confirmed that his wife, sister, niece and the husband of his other sister were also killed in the airstrike.

He added that “a limited amount of" Iran’s revenge for US and Israeli strikes had “taken concrete form, but until it is fully achieved, this case will remain among our priorities."

Khamenei’s remarks came as US President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over rising energy prices, emphasising that stopping the “evil regime" in Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was a higher priority.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump Says Stopping ‘Evil Empire’ In Iran More Important Than Oil Prices

Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Gulf energy targets on Thursday that sent prices oil spiking briefly above $100 a barrel and led to a warning that the crisis could lead to to “the largest supply disruption" in history.

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