Mar 12 • 13:23 UTC 🇳🇴 Norway Aftenposten

Iran's new leader with his first statement: Threatens attacks on American bases

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, threatens to retaliate against American bases in the region while calling for unity among the Iranian people.

In his inaugural statement, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, emphasizes the need to avenge the blood of the martyrs, indicating that Iran will respond with aggression towards American military bases. Khamenei's remarks underline Iran's ongoing tension with the United States and its promise of a united front among the Iranian populace. He has called on citizens to support this stance as a part of national strength and resilience against foreign adversaries.

Khamenei specifically mentions that all U.S. bases in the region remain fair targets for attacks. He also insists that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes, should remain closed as a strategic pressure tactic. This closure has already been enforced to some extent since the start of the Middle Eastern conflict in late February. Khamenei's statements come amid a backdrop of rising oil prices following Iran's attacks on ships in the area, reflecting a broader economic implication for countries reliant on this vital shipping lane.

The lack of public visibility of Khamenei, as his statement was broadcast through reading by others rather than direct appearances, raises questions about his leadership and the political atmosphere in Iran following the assassination of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei. The new leader's harsh rhetoric serves to solidify his position while rallying his supporters against perceived external threats, particularly from the United States and Israel. This incident represents a critical juncture in Iranian foreign policy as it navigates the complexities of military posturing and economic pressures on the global stage.

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