Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to keep blocking Strait of Hormuz in maiden statement
Iran will keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping channel, according to a statement read on state TV attributed to the new supreme leader
Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since succeeding his father. The statement also says Iran will “avenge the blood of Iranians” who have been killed.
More cargo ships have been attacked in the Gulf, apparently by Iran. Two tankers were hit near Iraq, while a container ship was struck near the UAE. Iranian state media say Iranian forces were behind at least one strike
The message from Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is being read by a presenter on Iranian state TV.
In comments translated by BBC Persian, Khamenei says that the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz” should still be used by Iran.
He then says that Iran has a policy of “friendship” with neighbouring countries, but advised them to close American bases, which he says Iran will continue to target.
