Iran's new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first public threat since taking power, demanding all US military bases in the Gulf region close immediately or face attack. The statement, read on state television, came from the son of slain leader Ali Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the current conflict began. Khamenei said Iran seeks "unity and warm relations with neighbors" but will continue targeting US installations.
Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz for over a week, striking several oil tankers attempting passage through the critical waterway. The strait handles approximately one-fifth of global oil output and one-third of worldwide liquified natural gas shipments, making it the world's most significant energy chokepoint. Khamenei warned that Iran will continue using the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz" as a strategic weapon.
The ongoing conflict has created what analysts are calling the largest oil supply disruption in recorded history. President Trump announced plans to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an unprecedented emergency measure. Multiple countries have coordinated historic releases of crude reserves to combat soaring oil and gasoline prices globally.
The crisis threatens to reshape global energy markets and regional security arrangements across the Middle East. Gulf nations hosting US bases face pressure to choose between Iranian threats and American security partnerships. Oil prices continue surging despite strategic reserve releases, indicating markets expect prolonged supply disruptions from the world's most critical energy transit route.