Teh_ran: Ir@n’s new Supreme Leader Mojt@ba Kha_menei vowed on Thursday to avenge the deaths of Iranian “martyrs” and announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed. In his first public remarks after succeeding his father, he also warned that Iran could attack American bases in the region.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Khamenei said Iran would continue its retaliation until full revenge was achieved. He added that if compensation was not provided by Iran’s enemies, the country would seize or destroy their property.
The new leader also called on regional countries to shut down any United States military bases on their territory, claiming that America’s promise of ensuring security in the region was false.
Following his statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they would enforce his order to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed. The waterway is a critical global oil route, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it. He further Orders Strait of Hormuz to Remain Closed.
Meanwhile, two oil tankers caught fire in the Iraqi port of Basra after being struck by suspected Iranian explosive boats. Images verified by Reuters showed large flames rising from the ships, and at least one crew member was reported killed.
Earlier the same day, three other vessels were attacked in the Gulf. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for one of the incidents involving a Thai bulk carrier that they said had ignored their orders.
Another container ship was also reportedly hit by an unidentified projectile near the United Arab Emirates, raising tensions further in the region.
