Iran vows revenge, keep Strait of Hormuz closed: Mojtaba Khamenei

TEHRAN: Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday vowed that Iran would avenge the blood of its “martyrs”, keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and target United States bases in the region.

In his first televised remarks since succeeding his slain father Ali Khamenei, the new supreme leader said the United States must shut down all its military bases in the region.

Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes — should remain closed to put pressure on Iran’s enemies, adding that Tehran would seek compensation from its adversaries or destroy their assets accordingly.

“We believe in friendship with neighbours and only targeted the bases, and we will inevitably continue,” he said, adding that the so-called resistance front remains an inseparable part of the Islamic revolution’s values.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after two oil tankers caught fire at the port of Basra following suspected attacks by explosive-laden boats, which Iraqi authorities blamed on Iran. At least one crew member was reported killed in the incident.

Earlier, three other ships were struck in the Gulf, with Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming responsibility for at least one attack on a Thai bulk carrier that was set ablaze for allegedly disobeying orders.

Another container vessel also reported being hit by an unknown projectile near the United Arab Emirates.

The conflict, which began with a bombing campaign by the United States and Israel at the end of February, has reportedly killed around 2,000 people and triggered what the International Energy Agency describes as one of the largest disruptions to global energy supplies in history.

Reports also indicated that drones linked to Iran were spotted flying into Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain and Oman.

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Separately, the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launched its largest volley of rockets into Israel during the war, prompting fresh Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.

Global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel again after earlier falling when Donald Trump suggested the war could end soon.

Speaking at a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, Trump claimed the United States had already achieved victory in the conflict, saying: “You never like to say too early you won. We won.” However, he also added that the United States would continue operations to “finish the job.”