From the Liveblog of
Thursday, March 12, 2026
In 1st statement, read out in his name, Iran’s new supreme leader ostensibly backs closing Strait of Hormuz as leverage, continued attacks on Gulf
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In a statement read out on state TV, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei ostensibly says the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Iran’s attacks on Gulf Arab neighbors will continue — arguing that all US bases in the region should be closed as they will be attacked.
His first purported statement since his appointment is read on state television by a news anchor. Khamenei, who was reportedly wounded in the war’s opening salvo, does not appear on camera and is not heard.
In the statement attributed to him, he vows to avenge those killed in the war, including in a strike on a school. He ostensibly says Iran will “obtain compensation” from its enemy, referring to the United States. If it refuses, Iran will “take from its assets” or destroy them to the same extent, he is said to claim.
The Times of Israel Community.