Iran’s new Supreme Leader threatens prolonged closure of Strait of Hormuz as Middle East conflict escalates
New Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vows to weaponize the strait against the U.S. and Israel, following his father’s death in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike. The strait handles 21% of global oil shipments; a prolonged blockade could push oil prices to $200–$300 per barrel, causing hyperinflation and fuel shortages.
Khamenei demands Gulf nations expel U.S. troops or face Iranian retaliation, dismissing U.S. security guarantees as “a lie.” Iran’s hypersonic missiles could strike U.S. bases in Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar within hours, risking a major escalation.
Iranian drone strikes hit Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, targeting energy infrastructure and civilians. Hezbollah fired 200 rockets into Israel, triggering Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, displacing 800,000 civilians. 3.2 million Iranians have fled cities due to bombardment, worsening the humanitarian disaster.
President Donald Trump prioritizes preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons over oil price concerns. Experts warn airstrikes alone won’t topple Iran’s regime, predicting a prolonged war of attrition.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) calls this the “largest oil supply disruption in history,” surpassing the 1970s crises. Strategic oil reserve releases fail to stabilize markets, with fears of industrial paralysis and fuel rationing worldwide.
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