Tehran [Iran], March 12 (ANI): As the West Asia conflict entered its 13th day, Iran’s new Supreme Leader struck a tone of defiance in his first address to the Iranian people. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called for the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move likely to further escalate tensions in the region.
“Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defense. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used,” he said.
Khamenei said Iran had identified sites that he claimed were vulnerable to future strikes by the Islamic Republic.
“Studies have been conducted regarding the opening of additional fronts in areas where the enemy has negligible experience and would be highly vulnerable, and their activation will be carried out if the state of war persists and in accordance with the observance of interests,” he said.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader also vowed vengeance for the death of his father and others killed in the strikes.
“I assure everyone that we will not forgo vengeance for the blood of your martyrs. The vengeance we have in mind is not limited to the martyrdom of the great leader of the Revolution; rather, every member of the nation who is martyred by the enemy constitutes an independent subject in the file of vengeance,” he said.
Khamenei called on the Iranian people to continue their resistance amid the ongoing strikes.
“The effective presence on the scene must be maintained, whether in the manner you demonstrated in these days and nights of war or in the form of various effective role-playing activities. I remind you of the importance of participation in the Quds Day ceremonies of 1447, where the element of breaking the enemy must be taken into consideration by all,” he said.
He also urged neighboring Gulf countries to clarify their positions, alleging that the US claim of establishing security in the region was false.
“The countries of the region must clarify their stance regarding the aggressors against our dear homeland and the killers of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, for they must surely have realized by now that America’s claim of establishing security and peace has been nothing but a lie,” he said.
“The enemy has gradually established bases in some neighboring countries over the years. In the recent offensive, some of those military bases were put to use, which naturally we have targeted with attacks—precisely as we had issued explicit warnings and without making any encroachment on those countries themselves—solely striking those bases,” he added.
In recent days, Iran has intensified restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes. Tehran has stated that vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail safely through the strait.
More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass daily through the narrow channel separating the Iranian coast from Oman. That volume represents roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade. A significant share of the world’s liquefied natural gas also moves through the same passage. When that flow falters even briefly, the consequences can ripple across financial markets, supply chains, and household budgets worldwide. (ANI)
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