The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified, creating serious concerns about global energy supplies and regional stability. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, made his first public remarks since taking power after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, he declared that Iran would continue fighting and would keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until its objectives are achieved. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil shipping routes in the world, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. Khamenei said that blocking the strait would remain a key strategy in Iran’s response to attacks by the United States and Israel.

Khamenei stated that Iran would continue to seek revenge for those killed in the war and warned that U.S. military bases in neighboring countries could remain targets. He also said Iran might seize or destroy enemy property if compensation for damages was not provided. During the statement, he thanked regional allies including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi fighters in Yemen, and armed groups in Iraq for supporting Iran. Interestingly, the message was read by a television presenter instead of being delivered by Khamenei himself, and no images of him have been released since the strike that killed his father. Iranian officials said he was only lightly wounded, though he claimed several of his family members were killed.

Soon after his statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they would continue enforcing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Reports emerged of new attacks on ships in the region. Two oil tankers caught fire in Iraq’s Basra port after being hit by suspected Iranian explosive boats, killing at least one crew member. Earlier, three other vessels were attacked in the Gulf, including a Thai bulk carrier that Iran said ignored its warning orders. Another container ship reported being struck near the United Arab Emirates.

The conflict began after U.S. and Israeli bombing operations in late February and has already killed about 2,000 people. The International Energy Agency describes the situation as the largest disruption to global energy supply in history. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, and analysts warn they could rise even higher if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. Iran has said oil will not pass through the strait until attacks against it stop.

Despite the escalating conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had already won the war, saying the outcome was decided within the first hour of fighting. However, he also indicated that the United States intends to continue military operations until its goals are fully achieved, including destroying Iran’s missile and nuclear programs. Trump has also demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender.

Inside Iran, residents report a heavy presence of security forces on the streets, though everyday life continues with shops and supermarkets remaining open. Intelligence sources believe Iran’s leadership structure remains stable despite ongoing attacks. Iran appears to be pursuing a strategy of causing long-term economic pressure, particularly through high oil prices, to force the United States to reconsider its position.

Although several countries have announced plans to release oil from their strategic reserves to stabilize markets, experts say this may only provide temporary relief. Without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, global energy markets could face continued instability and rising prices in the months ahead.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)