The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has announced that Iranian forces will continue striking United States military bases across the Middle East, as tensions between Tehran and its adversaries intensify.
In his first public address since assuming power, delivered on March 12, 2026, Khamenei said Iran would keep increasing pressure on what he called its enemies. He was appointed by the Assembly of Experts after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel.
He succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during strikes carried out by United States and Israel earlier in the conflict.
Khamenei praised Iranian forces for confronting American and Israeli military power since the start of the war, saying their resistance had prevented Iran from collapsing or being divided. He also vowed that the country would avenge those killed during the attacks.
“I want to thank the brave fighters who are doing great work while our country is under pressure and attack,” he said.
Regional allies joining the fight
The Iranian leader also confirmed that armed groups operating in Yemen and Iraq had pledged to support Iran in the conflict, describing their cooperation as part of a broader effort to reshape political dynamics in the Middle East.
Khamenei said all U.S. military bases in the region should be closed, arguing that they are being used to launch attacks against Iran. He warned that if they remain operational, Iranian forces will continue targeting them.
Several countries in the region host American military facilities, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria. More than 60,000 American troops are stationed across these locations.
“We maintain good relations with the 15 neighboring countries around us… we are only targeting military bases, and we will continue doing so,” Khamenei said.
Strait of Hormuz to remain closed
Khamenei also announced that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, will remain closed as part of Iran’s strategy to pressure the United States and Israel to stop the war.
The strait handles between 16 and 21 million barrels of oil per day, accounting for roughly 20% of global oil shipments.
According to Khamenei, Iran could consider ending the conflict if attacks against the country stop. However, he insisted that Washington and Tel Aviv must compensate Iran for the destruction caused in Tehran and other areas.
“We will demand compensation from the enemy. If they refuse, we will damage their property just as they destroyed ours,” he warned.
The Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader on March 9, 2026. Reports indicate he suffered minor injuries during the attack that killed his father and other senior officials.
