Tehran

As the West Asia conflict entered its thirteenth day, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei struck a defiant tone in his first address to the nation, calling for the continued blockade of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and vowing retaliation for recent strikes on Iran.

In a televised address, Khamenei urged the Iranian military and supporters to continue what he described as “effective and regret-inducing defence”.

“Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used,” he said.

The new leader, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after his death in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, said Iran had identified additional locations where it could open new fronts if the conflict continued.

“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,” he said.

Khamenei also vowed vengeance for the killing of his father and others in the attacks, saying Iran would not abandon its pursuit of retaliation.

“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.

Calling on the Iranian public to maintain their resistance, he urged citizens to remain active in supporting the war effort and highlighted the importance of participation in upcoming Quds Day observances.

“The effective presence on the scene must be maintained… I remind you of the importance of presence in the Quds Day ceremonies,” he said.

Khamenei also urged neighbouring Gulf states to clarify their position in the conflict, accusing Washington of misleading the region about its security intentions.

“The countries of the region must clarify their stance regarding the aggressors against our dear homeland and the killers of our people,” he said, calling on them to shut down American military bases operating in their territories.

He added that Iran had targeted certain bases in neighbouring countries that were allegedly used during the recent offensive but insisted Tehran had avoided attacks on the countries themselves.

“The enemy has gradually established bases in some neighbouring countries over the years. In the recent offensive, some of those military bases were put to use, which naturally we have targeted with attacks… solely striking those bases,” he said.

In recent days, Iran has tightened restrictions on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying vessels not linked to the interests of the United States or Israel could still transit the waterway safely.

The narrow channel between Iran and Oman is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through the strait daily, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade.

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A significant portion of the world’s liquefied natural gas shipments also moves through the route, meaning any disruption in the waterway can quickly impact global energy markets, supply chains and household fuel costs worldwide.