Mojtaba Khamenei Issues First Statement: Vows to Continue Hormuz Closure, Threatens New Fronts

Four days after his appointment as Supreme Leader was announced, a written message attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei has been published in Iranian media. The message calls for the continuation of the Islamic Republic's efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and demands that "other fronts" be reopened. Khamenei stated that the Islamic Republic will not abandon revenge for the blood of Seyyed Ali Khamenei and "the blood of martyrs." The message contains no photos or videos and provides no information about his health or physical condition. Previously, there had been speculation that he was severely wounded or even killed. In his first official statement published by his office, Khamenei claimed he learned of the Assembly of Experts' decision to appoint him through television — despite earlier reports that leadership candidates had been approached beforehand and had refused to accept responsibility. Khamenei called for Islamic Republic supporters to continue their "presence" in the streets. Regarding the ongoing war, he explicitly declared: "The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used." The Revolutionary Guards have in recent days intensified attacks on commercial ships, oil tankers, and oil storage facilities of Persian Gulf countries, effectively halting trade flow through the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei also threatened: "Studies have been conducted regarding opening other fronts where the enemy has little experience and will be severely vulnerable, and their activation will occur if the state of war continues and based on considerations of interests."