Mojtaba Khamenei Orders Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Netanyahu Threatens to Target It

The new Iranian Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a decisive decree on Thursday to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to international shipping. This strait is a strategic artery for global oil trade, and the decision immediately led to new jumps in crude prices amid fears of disruption to international supplies.

For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced its full commitment to implementing the new leader's orders, affirming its military readiness to enforce the closure and prevent any breaches. This move comes amidst an escalation of direct military confrontation between Tehran on one hand, and Tel Aviv and Washington on the other.

Mojtaba Khamenei appeared in his first official statement, read by an announcer on state television, after being chosen as the general leader to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei. The late leader was assassinated in Israeli-American airstrikes targeting leadership positions in Iran earlier this week.

Official sources revealed that the new leader was personally injured during the attack that led to his father's death, but his health condition is stable. The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Baqaei, confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei is 'fine' despite the injury he sustained, and is carrying out his leadership duties normally.

In the first Israeli reaction, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clear threat to the new leader during a recent press conference. Netanyahu refused to give any guarantees for the safety of the leaders of what he described as 'the terrorist organization,' referring to the new Iranian leadership, affirming the continuation of military operations.

Mojtaba Khamenei emphasized in his speech the necessity of the unity of the Iranian people in facing the current external challenges. He affirmed that Tehran will not back down from its right to respond to 'the blood of the martyrs,' considering that the issue of revenge is at the top of Iranian policy priorities in the coming phase.

On the regional level, the new leader sent what were described as warning messages to neighboring countries, calling on them to get rid of American influence. Khamenei considered that American military bases in the region are the primary source of instability and attraction for security tensions, denying any hostility towards Arab peoples.

Observers believe that Mojtaba Khamenei's speech reflects a complete adherence to the principles of his late father and an unwillingness to make political concessions. Analysts pointed out that the new leadership seeks to reassure the Iranian interior of the continuity of state institutions and their ability to respond militarily despite the severe blows.

In contrast, American forces continue their operations in the region to disrupt Iranian naval capabilities and try to secure shipping lanes. Sources reported that Washington seeks to remove naval mines and undermine Tehran's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz, despite the field difficulties it faces.

The American arena is witnessing increasing concern about the repercussions of this war on the local economy, especially with the decline in stock markets. Former diplomats believe that President Donald Trump's administration faces pressure to clarify its final strategy in dealing with the unprecedented Iranian escalation.

The current American administration aims, according to political assessments, to push for a change in the Iranian regime's approach to become less hostile. However, the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, who is described as a hardliner, may complicate Washington's calculations in reaching a political settlement or a quick de-escalation.

Reports indicate that the primary battle is now focused on the maritime domain, where Iran has succeeded in targeting some ships and disrupting supplies. This reality puts the Trump administration before difficult choices between escalating military operations or accepting a new geopolitical reality imposed by Tehran.

Regarding Arab positions, experts believe that Tehran demands these countries take balanced stances and distance themselves from the conflict. The Iranian leadership warns that American interests entrenched in the region may be legitimate targets if attacks on Iranian territory continue.

In conclusion, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains prone to further explosion with the Revolutionary Guard's insistence on implementing the comprehensive closure decision. International circles are awaiting the nature of the upcoming Iranian response, and whether the region will slide into a widespread regional war that transcends the limits of current confrontations.

Iran will not refrain from avenging the blood of its martyrs, and this issue will remain among my top priorities.