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Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as 'tool to pressure enemy,' Iran's new supreme leader says
CNBC· 2026-03-12 13:36
Core Viewpoint - Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has emphasized the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic tool to exert pressure on adversaries and has called for the immediate closure of all U.S. military bases in the Middle East, threatening attacks on these bases [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership and Context - Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Supreme Leader follows the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during U.S.-Israeli air strikes that began in late February [2]. - The new leader was injured in the attack that killed his father and other family members, indicating a personal stake in the ongoing conflict [2]. - Khamenei has called for unity among the Iranian people in the face of perceived threats, highlighting a potential rallying point for national sentiment [2]. Group 2: Political Implications - Khamenei is perceived as more hardline and conservative compared to his father, which may signal a shift in Iran's domestic and foreign policy approach [2]. - U.S. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment over Khamenei's selection, suggesting that it may lead to increased tensions and instability in the region [3].