Iran's New Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Vows to Defend Strait of Hormuz, Nuclear Program

Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to prevent «the enemy’s abuses» of the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard the country’s nuclear capabilities. This declaration follows a stalemate in talks with the US and comes two months after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes in February.

Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since his appointment, hailed Iran’s «new management» of the key waterway. He stated Iranians would defend their nuclear and missile capabilities as a «national asset,» comparing it to defending their borders. He described the US as the «great satan» and asserted that a «new chapter is being written for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz,» envisioning a future without America in the region.

Oil prices fluctuated significantly on Thursday, with Brent crude reaching $126 before dropping over $13, as traders reacted to the potential for an extended blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through this strait. The US had launched its own blockade of Iranian ports after Tehran refused to reopen the waterway and indicated it would impose a toll system.

Reports also emerged that US commanders would brief President Trump on a plan for «short and powerful» strikes on Iran to accelerate peace talks. However, a second round of US-Iran negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, collapsed after Iran demanded the US lift its port blockade before any discussions. Washington also insists Tehran give up uranium enrichment and its stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium.