Irans New Supreme Leader Issues First Official Statement

March 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Irans New Supreme Leader Issues First Official Statement

Iran’s New Supreme Leader Issues First Statement

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, has released his first public statement since taking office. In the statement, Khamenei reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US and Israel cease their military activities in the region.

Khamenei also warned that Iran would consider opening new fronts if the US and Israel continue to engage in hostilities. The statement was released on [date] and marks Khamenei’s first public address since his appointment as supreme leader.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies, has been closed by Iran since 2019. The closure has had significant economic implications for countries reliant on the region’s oil exports.

Khamenei’s statement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries, including the US and Israel. The two countries have been engaged in a series of military exercises and diplomatic exchanges in recent weeks.

Details of Khamenei’s statement are scarce, but it is clear that he has outlined his vision for Iran’s foreign policy under his leadership. The full text of the statement has not been released, but officials say it will be made available to the public soon.

Khamenei’s appointment as supreme leader marks a significant shift in Iran’s leadership structure, following the death of Ali Khamenei last month.

Source: Al Jazeera