Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has urged the Iranian people to unite and has issued a stark warning that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. This announcement follows recent incidents involving attacks on vessels in the strait, which is a critical maritime route for oil shipments. Three ships were hit by unknown munitions on Wednesday, marking a significant escalation in hostility in the region that has already seen at least 14 commercial vessels attacked since the outbreak of conflict with Iran.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has profound implications, given that this narrow passage accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The situation has been exacerbated since the U.S. and Israel began airstrikes against Iranian interests on February 28, leading to near-total disruption of shipping traffic in the strait. As a result, crude oil prices have surged to levels not seen since 2022, creating potential economic instability both regionally and globally, as energy-dependent nations grapple with supply constraints.

Furthermore, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has declared that any vessels crossing the strait will be targeted in response to ongoing tensions. Khamenei's remarks included a direct threat to all U.S. bases in the area, emphasizing that they must be closed or risk attack. U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he will ramp up military actions against Iran if the blockade on the maritime route continues, heightening fears of an expanded conflict in the region.