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Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Warns of Wider Conflict and Hormuz Pressure
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that Tehran may escalate its military actions in the region and continue using the strategic Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the United States and Israel.
In his first public statement since assuming leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba vowed to continue attacks against Gulf Arab states and maintain pressure through disruptions in the vital maritime corridor through which a large share of the world’s oil supply passes.
The statement was read by a presenter on Iranian state television, as the new leader has not yet appeared publicly. Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly suffered injuries during the early stages of the ongoing conflict.
He accused the United States of providing false assurances of protection to Gulf nations and urged people in those countries to push for the closure of US military bases. Khamenei also vowed revenge for casualties caused by recent airstrikes, including an attack on a school that reportedly killed more than 165 people.
The ongoing conflict has already had major global economic consequences. Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Persian Gulf have disrupted maritime traffic and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel at various points.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to intensify across the region. Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets into northern Israel, while Israeli forces have carried out airstrikes in Tehran and in areas of Lebanon.
According to international agencies, millions of civilians have been displaced in the conflict, raising concerns about a worsening humanitarian crisis.
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