Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed at the onset of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In statements distributed by local media, Khamenei warned that Iran would continue offensive operations against U.S. bases and allied forces in the Gulf region, pledging to “avenge the blood of Iranians.”
The remarks follow an escalation of regional hostilities, including the overnight attack on two tankers in Iraqi waters. Visual content reportedly filmed from the port of Basra showed vessels ablaze after being struck by Iranian boats carrying explosives, with at least one crew member killed.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global trade artery, channeling roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The recent attacks triggered a spike in oil prices, with Brent crude briefly surpassing $100 per barrel before settling just below triple digits.
Shipping disruptions have forced major carriers, including Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Hapag-Lloyd, and Maersk, to suspend operations and bookings at several Gulf ports, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan. Nigerian exporters are among those facing higher costs and longer transit times, threatening vital foreign exchange earnings.
Analysts warn that continued strikes and uncertainty over shipping safety could further destabilize global energy markets and heighten regional tensions.