Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows to Keep Up Attacks in his 1st statement Since Appointed/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to continue attacks against regional rivals in his first public statement since taking power. The conflict with the United States and Israel has disrupted global oil supplies and displaced millions across the Middle East. Khamenei’s message signals Iran’s intention to escalate pressure by targeting energy infrastructure and blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Supreme Leader Statement Quick Looks
- Mojtaba Khamenei issued his first statement as Iran’s new supreme leader.
- He vowed Iran will continue attacks on Gulf Arab states and Western allies.
- The statement was delivered through Iranian state television.
- Iran is using the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage.
- The war began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Iran’s leadership has suffered heavy military and political losses.
- Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel amid the conflict.
- Hezbollah fired around 200 rockets at northern Israel overnight.
- The United Nations estimates millions have been displaced in the region.
- Iran says attacks will continue until security guarantees and reparations are provided.
Deep Look
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Signals Continued War
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, pledged to continue military attacks across the Middle East in his first public statement since taking power.
The 56-year-old leader, who succeeded his father following his death in an Israeli airstrike at the start of the war, delivered the message through Iranian state television. A news anchor read his statement rather than Khamenei appearing on camera.
In the message, Khamenei vowed revenge for those killed during the conflict and said Iran would continue striking regional adversaries.
His remarks indicate that Tehran has no intention of backing down from a war that has already disrupted global energy markets, international travel and security across the Persian Gulf.
Conflict Disrupts Global Energy Markets
Iran’s strategy has focused heavily on targeting shipping and energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region.
Tehran has effectively halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil normally passes.
The disruption has driven oil prices sharply higher.
The global benchmark Brent crude rose more than 9% to over $100 per barrel, representing an increase of roughly 38% since the war began.
Energy analysts say Iran appears to be attempting to inflict economic pressure on the United States and Israel by triggering global energy shocks.
War Expands Across the Region
The fighting has spread beyond Iran’s borders, with escalating clashes involving multiple countries and armed groups.
Hezbollah militants in Lebanon launched approximately 200 rockets toward northern Israel, forcing residents into shelters as air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles.
Israeli forces responded with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and military sites in Iran.
Several strikes in Lebanon killed at least 11 people, according to local health officials.
Israel also warned residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate areas near the border as it prepares for possible expanded operations.
Millions Displaced by Fighting
The humanitarian impact of the war continues to grow.
According to the United Nations refugee agency, as many as 3.2 million people inside Iran have fled their homes since the conflict began.
Most displaced residents have moved away from Tehran and other large cities toward northern provinces or rural areas.
In Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified, at least 759,000 people have been displaced.
Aid agencies warn that continued conflict could produce one of the largest humanitarian crises in the region in years.
Iranian Leaders Reject Calls for De-Escalation
Iranian officials have rejected international calls to halt military operations.
President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested the war could only end if Iran receives international recognition of its security concerns.
In a statement posted online, he said Tehran would require security guarantees, reparations and acknowledgment of its rights before considering an end to hostilities.
Meanwhile, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that any attempt by foreign forces to seize Iranian territory would provoke severe retaliation.
Attacks Target Regional Infrastructure
Iran has continued launching strikes against infrastructure and strategic targets across the Middle East.
Recent attacks included:
- A projectile hitting a container ship near Dubai, causing a small fire.
- A drone strike on a residential building in Kuwait that injured civilians.
- Drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oil field.
- A fire on Muharraq Island in Bahrain, home to the country’s international airport.
Air defense systems in the United Arab Emirates were activated multiple times to intercept incoming drones aimed at Dubai.
The attacks have heightened fears that the conflict could spread into a broader regional war.
U.S. and Israel Continue Military Campaign
Despite the escalating tensions, the United States and Israel have vowed to continue military operations against Iran.
Both countries say a key goal of the campaign is dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli officials said recent strikes targeted nuclear-related facilities, including a site known as Taleghan-2, which had previously been damaged in a 2024 attack.
Western governments have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons.
Iran denies the accusation and maintains its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.
Trump Promises to “Finish the Job”
U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a hard line on the conflict, insisting that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened.
At the same time, Trump has promised to continue military operations until Iran’s threat is fully eliminated.
“We’re going to finish the job,” Trump said recently.
However, the continued attacks and rising oil prices suggest the conflict could last longer than initially expected.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
As the war enters its second week, analysts say both sides appear determined to continue fighting despite the growing humanitarian and economic costs.
Iran’s leadership believes pressure on global energy markets could force Western powers to reconsider their military campaign.
Meanwhile, the United States and Israel appear committed to weakening Iran’s military infrastructure.
With millions displaced and key global shipping routes disrupted, the conflict is rapidly reshaping security and economic conditions across the Middle East.
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