TEHRAN, March 12 — Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced that the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as the action has been taken in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28, Anadolu Ajansı reported.
"The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence," he said in his first public message since his appointment as the supreme leader, according to the national state-run media.
He noted that Iran has made assessments on opening other fronts as part of the ongoing conflict, "where the enemy has little experience and where it would be highly vulnerable".
Mojtaba said that activating these fronts might take place "if the war situation persists and in accordance with the considerations of national interest,", and called for participation in Quds Day ceremonies "where the spirit of resistance against the enemy should be highlighted."
He added that Tehran will "avenge the blood of Iranians" who have been killed during the attacks.
Tensions gripped the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Iran on February 28 and have so far killed more than 1,300 people, including Mojtaba's father and predecessor Ali Khamenei, and over 150 schoolgirls. More than 10,000 people were also injured in the Israeli and US attacks.
Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Eight US service members have been killed since the war began.
Mojtaba was declared Ali's successor earlier this week.
