In first public message, Mojtaba Khamenei urges continued pressure through Strait of Hormuz and warns of expanding war fronts amid ongoing conflict
Tehran: Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public message on Thursday, calling for continued military resistance and urging the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic pressure point in the ongoing regional conflict.
The message was not delivered directly by Khamenei. Instead, it was read aloud by a state television anchor while a still photograph of the leader was displayed, raising fresh questions about his health and whereabouts nearly two weeks after the conflict began.
Iranian authorities have not released any video or audio statement from Mojtaba Khamenei, and there has been no official confirmation regarding reports that he may have been injured during the strikes that killed his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei.
Calls for Continued Military Pressure
In the written message, Mojtaba Khamenei praised Iran’s armed forces and urged continued resistance against what he described as aggression by United States and Israel.
“The demand of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence,” the statement said.
He also emphasised that the possibility of blocking the Strait of Hormuz should remain a strategic lever for Iran during the conflict.
“Certainly, the lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, carrying a significant share of global crude shipments.
Possible Expansion of War Fronts
Khamenei indicated that Iranian officials were studying the possibility of opening additional fronts in areas where adversaries may be vulnerable.
“Studies have been conducted regarding the opening of other fronts in which the enemy has little experience and is highly vulnerable,” he said.
He also praised the regional groups aligned with Tehran, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance.”
The statement specifically mentioned support from groups including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and armed factions in Iraq.
Call for National Unity
A large portion of the message focused on domestic unity within Iran, urging citizens to remain engaged in public and political life during wartime.
Khamenei praised the resilience of the Iranian population following the death of his father and the temporary absence of national leadership.
“The insight and intelligence of the great nation of Iran in recent events astonished friends and enemies alike,” the statement read.
He also called for participation in political events and rallies, including Quds Day, which traditionally focuses on opposition to Israel.
Warning to Regional Governments
Khamenei also warned Middle Eastern countries hosting US military bases that their territories could be targeted if those bases were used in operations against Iran.
He said Iranian forces had already struck some such installations during the conflict.
“From now on we will be forced to continue doing this,” the statement said.
The new Iranian leader urged regional governments to close foreign military bases, arguing that they should clarify their stance regarding the ongoing conflict.
