Khamenei Vows Continued Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Escalating Tensions in Middle East
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In his first public statement since succeeding his father, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed Thursday to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, as a means of pressuring adversaries. The declaration comes amid escalating regional tensions following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February and ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel.
“Iran will not refrain from avenging the blood of its martyrs,” Khamenei said, adding that Tehran will seek compensation from those it deems responsible for his father’s death “or destroy their assets accordingly.”
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already brought maritime passage to a virtual standstill, with Iranian forces targeting commercial shipping vessels. This disruption has injected uncertainty into global energy supply flows, prompting the International Energy Agency to unanimously agree Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves in an attempt to stabilize rising crude costs.
Despite the IEA’s efforts, an Iranian military official warned that the price of oil could reach $200 per barrel. However, Western powers appear less concerned following the reserve release. The European Commission stated Thursday it has no immediate concerns regarding the security of oil supplies, and U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon is his priority, even if it means higher crude prices. “The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The conflict is also taking a financial toll. Pentagon officials told U.S. lawmakers Tuesday that the war has already cost over $11.3 billion in its first six days, excluding operational costs like hardware and personnel.
Escalating attacks by Iranian forces have targeted oil and civilian infrastructure in recent days. On Thursday, a suspected Iranian attack targeted two tankers in an Iraqi port, following strikes on three commercial ships in the Persian Gulf the previous day. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for an assault on the Mayuree Naree, a Thai-flagged bulk carrier, prompting a demand for an apology from Bangkok.
Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported thwarting several missile and drone attacks, while Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted two drones heading toward its Shaybah oil field.
The United States and Israel have continued their military operations in response. U.S. Central Command reported striking around 6,000 Iranian targets, including over 60 ships and 30 minelayers. Israel launched fresh attacks on alleged Hezbollah sites in Beirut, prompting the British government to issue a travel advisory urging citizens to leave Lebanon if their presence is not essential.
Amidst the escalating conflict, China’s National People’s Congress approved a new law Thursday promoting “ethnic unity,” a move experts warn could lead to forced assimilation of minority groups. The law mandates Mandarin Chinese in schools and official communications, potentially diluting minority cultures and languages.
Russia’s foreign ministry accused the United Kingdom of supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles used in a strike in Bryansk, alleging British involvement in a “terrorist attack.” Ukraine maintains it targeted a factory producing Russian weapons.
