Iran’s Supreme Leader: “We won’t hesitate to retaliate… US bases will be our only targets”

Mojtaba Khamenei, elected as Iran’s new supreme leader, declared a “hardline” response toward the United States and Israel in his first message.

According to Al Jazeera on the 12th (local time), in his first official statement aired on Iranian state television that day, Khamenei said he would “not step back from the martyrs’ ‘bloody retaliation’” and added, “We will never hesitate to retaliate for the crimes that have been committed.” He said, “We will target only US bases,” and added that he “advises countries in the (Middle East) region to shut down US military bases.”

He also signaled determination to maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei said, “The Strait of Hormuz must remain blocked,” adding, “We must continue using the lever of the Hormuz blockade as a means of pressuring the enemy (the United States and Israel).” In effect, he has formally underscored his intent to pressure the United States by holding the Strait of Hormuz—through which 20% of global crude oil flows pass—hostage.

He also hinted at the possibility of expanding the front. Khamenei said, “Review has been completed on forming a vulnerable ‘second front’ the enemy has not experienced,” and added, “We will activate it immediately depending on the war situation and national interests.” He continued, “Iran must extract compensation from its enemies,” adding, “If not, we will destroy their assets.”

Iranian media outlets reported Khamenei’s first statement in unison under headlines such as “The new supreme leader declares vengeance for the blood of martyrs.” Elected as Iran’s third supreme leader following the death of his father in US and Israeli airstrikes on the 28th of last month, he issued his first external message on this day, just three days after his selection.

Meanwhile, the statement was read out by an anchor on Iran’s state broadcaster, and he did not appear. Mojtaba is believed to have been injured in the airstrike on the 28th of last month.