Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:37pm on 12 Mar 2026,Thursday International
Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, has issued his first public remarks since taking power, adopting a hardline stance amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and used as leverage in the conflict. He also warned that American military bases across the region could be attacked if they remain operational. The remarks come after the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28. The new leader vowed to seek reparations for war damages and retaliate for civilian casualties, including victims of a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab. Khamenei also thanked allied groups in the region and said Iran would continue its resistance against its adversaries while maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries. (PC: India Today)
