Iran will continue to block the Strait of Hormuz and attack United States military bases, the country’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has said in his first public statement.
The strait, where around 20% of global oil flows would usually transit, has been closed by Iran during the war. Iran’s military said yesterday that the U.S. should “get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel” as the blockade continues.
“The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must undoubtedly continue to be used,” according to a written statement attributed to Khamenei that was read on Iranian state TV, as a “tool to pressure the enemy”.
Oil prices climbed following the statement. Brent crude had risen 10.5% to US$101.60 per barrel by 9:05 am AEDT.
Three merchant ships were struck by projectiles near the strait yesterday. Iraqi authorities said two tankers were attacked by Iran at the port of Basra in the Persian Gulf, causing a fire.
Iran will also continue to strike United States military bases in the Middle East until the bases are closed, Khamenei’s statement said.
“We share land or maritime borders with 15 neighbouring countries and have always sought warm and constructive relations with all of them," per the statement. "These countries must clarify their stance toward the aggressors against our homeland and the killers of our people.”
“I advise them to close those bases as soon as possible.”
Khamenei is the son of previous Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed by U.S.-Israeli strikes two weeks ago at the beginning of the war.
Mojtaba Khamenei was lightly injured during the war, per both Iranian and Israeli officials, and has not appeared in public since being named Supreme Leader over the weekend.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated today that Israel aims to kill Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, saying he “wouldn’t issue life insurance policies” on them.
