Iran’s New Supreme Leader Says Strait of Hormuz Must Stay Closed, Threatens U.S. Bases

The declaration comes as commercial transit through the vital waterway remains largely halted.

Overview

Mojtaba Khamenei’s first statement, read on state television, called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain closed as leverage against the United States.
He warned that regional U.S. military installations could be attacked and said all American bases should shut down immediately.
Khamenei vowed to avenge war deaths and said Iran would seek compensation or seize or destroy enemy assets if it is refused.
Iranian authorities have effectively choked off shipping through Hormuz, cautioning that vessels attempting passage could be targeted.
The United States–Israel campaign against Iran was reported to be in its 13th day, and separate claims that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed were described as reported but not independently confirmed.