Iran Vows Continued Hostilities, Threatens US Assets

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Thursday issued his first public message via state television, declaring the nation's intent to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and persist in attacks against U.S. assets in the region.

The message, delivered by a broadcaster rather than Khamenei himself, stated demands for compensation from the U.S. for alleged attacks, threatening the destruction of U.S.

assets if compensation is not provided. Khamenei, 56, described as a hardliner with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), also praised Houthi and Hezbollah groups for their support.

Background

The address emphasized national unity amidst internal divisions and reaffirmed Iran's commitment to its current path, including the continued use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage. Khamenei vowed retaliation for "martyrs," citing an estimated 175 casualties from a missile strike on a primary school in Minab, for which a preliminary U.S.

military investigation reportedly indicated U.S. responsibility.

He also addressed Gulf neighbors, urging them to close U.S. military and financial bases, stating that Iran would continue to target such bases if they were used in attacks against Iran.

Key Developments

Unlike Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Khamenei offered no apology for damage inflicted on Gulf states, instead advocating for stronger regional ties independent of Washington. He acknowledged the personal toll of recent conflicts, including the loss of his father, wife, sister, and other family members in what he referred to as a U.S.-Israeli attack.