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Iran's New Leader: Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed as leverage against the United States and Israel.
He vowed to avenge Iranian deaths and urged Gulf states to close United States military bases.
State television carried his message, raising concerns about his health after an Israeli strike that killed his family.
The ongoing conflict has killed over 2,000 people, including many in Lebanon.

History

Historical Context

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked a pivotal shift as Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini led a mass uprising against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, resulting in the establishment of the Islamic Republic. This regime change ended centuries of monarchy and altered U.S.-Iran relations. Today, threats from figures like Mojtaba Khamenei highlight ongoing tensions rooted in this revolutionary legacy, with over 2,000 lives lost in recent conflicts.

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Story summary

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, said the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed as leverage against the United States and Israel.
He vowed to avenge Iranian deaths and urged Gulf states to close United States military bases.
State television carried his message, raising concerns about his health after an Israeli strike that killed his family.
The ongoing conflict has killed over 2,000 people, including many in Lebanon.

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