Iran issued its first message in the name of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday, vowing to maintain closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continue attacks on US military assets. The statement was read on state television rather than delivered live, raising questions about Khamenei's actual presence and control. The message comes as Iranian drone strikes targeted Dubai and Kuwait's airport early Thursday morning.
The transition follows the apparent death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though Iran has not officially confirmed the succession or provided evidence that Mojtaba Khamenei is actively leading the country. The younger Khamenei, long considered a potential successor, has maintained his father's hardline policies toward the United States and regional adversaries. Iran's actions directly defy a recent UN Security Council resolution demanding cessation of strikes on Gulf countries.
Iranian attacks have killed eleven civilians since the current escalation began, with Dubai and Kuwait among the latest targets hit by drone strikes. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil passes, remains effectively closed under Iranian control. Regional airports and infrastructure continue facing bombardment, disrupting commerce and civilian life across the Gulf.
The escalation threatens broader regional stability as refugees flee multiple conflict zones, with many displaced persons from Sudan and Ethiopia now caught in Lebanon's crossfire from Israeli and US airstrikes. Gulf states face mounting pressure to respond militarily while oil markets brace for extended supply disruptions. The succession crisis in Tehran adds uncertainty to already volatile regional dynamics.
The lack of video evidence of the new supreme leader's activities fuels speculation about internal Iranian power struggles and the actual chain of command during this critical period.