Iran's Supreme Leader Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz Amid Global Oil Market Turmoil

Iran's new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has indicated that pressure to close the Strait of Hormuz could be used. This was his first public message since taking office, broadcast on state television on Thursday. The new leader's statement comes at a time when the global oil market is in turmoil due to Iran's continued attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. The price of Brent crude oil in the international market has again topped $100 per barrel. In his address to the nation, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mohammad Mojtaba Khamenei called for national unity. He said that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to pressure enemies. He made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed. He described the port as a means of pressure on Iran's enemies. He stressed the importance of continuing to maintain friendly relations with the United States, but called for an immediate cessation of military talks.